Average Firefighters Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Firefighters in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,160. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a robust compensation structure in this region. The higher pay is likely influenced by the demanding nature of the role, the cost of living, and the concentration of critical infrastructure and population density within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,940.
- Outlook: The job market for firefighters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears stable and well-established, with a local workforce of 7,470 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.11 suggests that this area employs a slightly higher concentration of firefighters relative to the national average, implying a consistent demand for these essential services. The presence of nearly 2.4 firefighters per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance of this profession within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+64.0%above the national average.
$34.2
$1,368
$5,930
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for public safety services, and evolving responsibilities likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these vital professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of service can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would reflect this progression, with senior firefighters occupying the higher earning percentiles, signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $47,490 | $22.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $53,370 | $25.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $67,850 | $32.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $88,950 | $42.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $99,940 | $48 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,160 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by firefighters in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average for the profession, the cost of living does not present a barrier, suggesting good financial stability for those employed here.
Job Market Context
7,470
Total Jobs
2.395
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.11, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of firefighter jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for the profession, indicating that the job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce. The presence of a substantial local workforce further reinforces the idea of a well-supported and active market for firefighters in this region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $52,480↓ 26% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Firefighters Salary | $72,990↑ 3% | 35 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Firefighters Salary | $56,960↓ 20% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Firefighters Salary | $45,680↓ 36% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $71,160. This typically ranges from $47,490 for entry-level positions to $99,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 64.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($52,480) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the firefighter salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $71,160, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
The Location Quotient for firefighters in this area is 1.11, meaning there is a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
What is the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria for firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 100, which is the national average, suggesting that the higher salary provides good purchasing power.
How many firefighters are employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
There are approximately 7,470 firefighters employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,470 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 2.395 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV