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Average Firefighters Salary in Wheeling, WV-OH

Firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH earn an average annual salary of $47,730, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380. This localized pay differential is often influenced by specific regional economic factors, demand for essential services, and the unique operational needs within the Wheeling metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 56.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,210.
  • Outlook: The firefighter job market in Wheeling, WV-OH appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 220 professionals. The location quotient of 1.76 indicates a significantly higher concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a well-established presence of the profession within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,730

The average Firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH earns+10.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23

Weekly

$918

Monthly

$3,978

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Wheeling, WV-OH

Salary progression for firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH, like elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and tenure. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills command significantly higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,350$17
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$35,798$17.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$50,750$24.4
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$59,663$28.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$60,210$28.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $47,730 and a cost of living index precisely at the national average of 100, firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH experience a salary that directly reflects the national standard of living costs. This means that the purchasing power of their earnings is comparable to the average across the United States, offering a stable financial footing.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

3.784

Per 1K Jobs

1.76

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Wheeling, WV-OH has 1.8x 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 1.76 for firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH signifies a substantial concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for firefighters in this specific labor market is higher than the national norm, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Firefighters Salary$42,990↓ 10%24 mi
Pittsburgh, PA Firefighters Salary$62,300↑ 31%45 mi
Canton-Massillon, OH Firefighters Salary$44,580↓ 7%62 mi
Youngstown-Warren, OH Firefighters Salary$46,590↓ 2%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Wheeling, WV-OH

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Wheeling, WV-OH?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH is $47,730. This typically ranges from $35,350 for entry-level positions to $60,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wheeling, WV-OH is 10.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Wheeling, WV-OH a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH earn $47,730 annually, surpassing the national average of $43,380. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this salary provides strong purchasing power.

Is Wheeling, WV-OH a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Wheeling, WV-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wheeling, WV-OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH ($42,990) and Pittsburgh, PA.

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

The average annual salary for firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH is $47,730, which is $4,350 higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH?

Wheeling, WV-OH has a location quotient of 1.76 for firefighters, indicating that the profession is 76% more concentrated than the national average.

How many firefighters are there in Wheeling, WV-OH?

The total local workforce for firefighters in Wheeling, WV-OH is approximately 220 individuals.

What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV-OH?

The cost of living index in Wheeling, WV-OH is 100, which is exactly the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Wheeling, WV-OH area with a job density of 3.784 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 Wheeling, WV-OH