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Average Firefighters Salary in Wausau, WI

Firefighters in Wausau, WI earn an average annual salary of $48,980, notably higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized demands and critical nature of the role within the Wausau community, alongside local economic factors that support this pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $48,980 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,910.
  • Outlook: Wausau, WI presents a robust employment landscape for firefighters, evidenced by a local workforce of 260 professionals. The location quotient of 1.71 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles relative to other occupations in the area, suggesting strong local demand and job security.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$48,980

The average Firefighters in Wausau, WI earns+12.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.6

Weekly

$942

Monthly

$4,082

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI

Salary progression for firefighters in Wausau, WI, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior firefighters with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can expect significantly higher earnings. The distribution of salaries across different percentiles clearly signifies these career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$31,320$15.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$36,735$17.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$43,310$20.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$61,225$29.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$77,910$37.5

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$48,980

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$48,980

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $48,980 and a cost of living index precisely at the national average of 100, firefighters relocating to Wausau, WI, can expect their nominal earnings to align closely with national spending patterns. This means the purchasing power of their salary in Wausau is comparable to the national average, offering stable financial footing.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

3.676

Per 1K Jobs

1.71

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wausau, WI has 1.7x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The location quotient of 1.71 for firefighters in Wausau, WI, signifies a job market that is 71% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand for firefighters in Wausau compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for those in the profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$43,410↓ 11%48 mi
Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$48,370↓ 1%48 mi
Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$50,050↑ 2%48 mi
Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$53,790↑ 10%48 mi
Appleton, WI Firefighters Salary$59,680↑ 22%78 mi

Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Wausau, WI?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Wausau, WI is $48,980. This typically ranges from $31,320 for entry-level positions to $77,910 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 12.9% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Wausau, WI offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Wausau earn approximately $5,600 more annually than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially attractive location.

Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($43,410) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.

How does Wausau's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Wausau, WI, earn an average of $48,980 annually, which is $5,600 higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Wausau, WI?

Wausau, WI has a location quotient of 1.71 for firefighters, meaning the profession is 71% more concentrated there than the national average, indicating higher local demand.

How does the cost of living in Wausau affect a firefighter's salary?

Wausau's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $48,980 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good value.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Wausau, WI?

There are approximately 260 firefighters employed in Wausau, WI, contributing to the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 3.676 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wausau, WI