Firefighter Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 5K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$73,460
$35.32/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+27.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $89K
5K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Firefighter salary in Pennsylvania is approximately $73,460 per year, which translates to about $35 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, by approximately 27.6%. Pennsylvania employs over 5,000 firefighters across the state, contributing to essential public safety services.
Several factors can influence a Firefighter salary in Pennsylvania. Experience levels play a significant role, with more seasoned professionals typically earning more. The specific municipality or fire department, its size, and budget can also impact compensation. Additionally, specialized training or certifications may lead to higher pay scales.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,620 |
| 25th percentile | $56,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,460 |
| 75th percentile | $89,190 |
| 90th percentile | $89,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Pennsylvania tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,664 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $73,460 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $75,664 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $89,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,190 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Firefighter ($73,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in PA | $85,470 | +16.3% | $41.09/hr |
| Security Guard in PA | $37,050 | -49.6% | $17.81/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in PA | $73,550 | +0.1% | $35.36/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in PA | $73,370 | -0.1% | $35.27/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in PA | $71,840 | -2.2% | $34.54/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in PA | $71,760 | -2.3% | $34.50/hr |
| Producer and Director in PA | $75,460 | +2.7% | $36.28/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in PA | $71,350 | -2.9% | $34.30/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in PA | $75,580 | +2.9% | $36.34/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in PA | $76,050 | +3.5% | $36.56/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in PA | $76,110 | +3.6% | $36.59/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in PA | $70,450 | -4.1% | $33.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Pennsylvania?
- The median Firefighter salary in Pennsylvania is $73,460 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn less than this amount, while the other half earn more.
What is the typical salary range for firefighters in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, the salary range for firefighters generally falls between $48,620 and $89,190 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and responsibilities.
How does Pennsylvania's firefighter pay compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Pennsylvania are significantly higher than the national average. On average, they earn about 27.6% more than firefighters in other parts of the United States.
How many firefighters are employed in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania has a substantial force of firefighters, with a total of 5,020 individuals employed across the state. This indicates a robust demand for these essential public safety professionals.