Average Firefighters Salary in Utah
Firefighters in Utah earn an average annual salary of $53,580, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation in Utah is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the state's specific operational demands, the cost of living, and the overall economic landscape that shapes the value placed on these essential public service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,240.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,650 firefighters, Utah presents a moderately concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the profession is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating potential opportunities for those entering the field or seeking to relocate.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Utah earns+23.5%above the national average.
$25.8
$1,030
$4,465
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Utah have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving labor agreements that aim to keep compensation competitive.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Utah
Career progression for firefighters in Utah, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing salary levels tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with years of service and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, with substantial percentile gaps reflecting the value of expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,890 | $17.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $40,185 | $19.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $49,270 | $23.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $66,975 | $32.2 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $81,240 | $39.1 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,273
Adjusted for COL (104.5)
The average firefighter salary in Utah of $53,580 is slightly above the national average, but the Cost of Living Index at 104.5 indicates that daily expenses are marginally higher than the national benchmark. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the purchasing power may be only slightly enhanced, requiring careful budgeting for those relocating.
Job Market Context
2,650
Total Jobs
1.548
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Utah has 0.72x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Utah's Location Quotient of 0.72 for firefighters indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering a more favorable environment for job seekers relative to states with higher LQs, though it also implies a slightly smaller overall pool of available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT Firefighters Salary | $47,370↓ 12% | 13 mi |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Firefighters Salary | $62,720↑ 17% | 44 mi |
| Ogden, UT Firefighters Salary | $50,910↓ 5% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Utah
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Utah?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Utah is $53,580. This typically ranges from $35,890 for entry-level positions to $81,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Utah is 23.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Utah a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Utah offers a more lucrative environment for firefighters compared to the national average.Firefighters in Utah earn approximately $10,000 more annually than the national average. While the cost of living is slightly higher, the increased salary provides a notable financial advantage.
Is Utah a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Utah is 104.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Utah?
Some top paying nearby cities include Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT ($47,370) and Salt Lake City-Murray, UT.
How does Utah's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Utah earn an average of $53,580 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the job concentration for firefighters in Utah?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.72, indicating that firefighters are slightly less concentrated in Utah compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Utah affect a firefighter's salary?
Utah's Cost of Living Index is 104.5, meaning it is 4.5% more expensive than the national average. This slightly higher cost of living moderates the impact of the higher average salary.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in Utah?
There are approximately 2,650 firefighters employed within the state of Utah.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the Utah area with a job density of 1.548 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Utah