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Firefighter Salary in Albuquerque, NM

How much does a firefighter make in Albuquerque? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Albuquerque's cost of living.

Median Salary
$42,920
per year in Albuquerque
Entry Level
$25,900
Starting salary
Senior Level
$60,680
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Albuquerque.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,900$42,920$60,680
Monthly$2,158$3,577$5,057
Biweekly$996$1,651$2,334
Weekly$498$825$1,167
Hourly$12$21$29

Albuquerque vs National Average

How Albuquerque's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Albuquerque Salary
$42,920
COL Index: 98
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,440
Lower in Albuquerque

Cost of Living in Albuquerque

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$54,123
per year
Population
564,559
residents
Rent % of Income
28.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Albuquerque have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+145%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+131%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+106%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+39%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+44%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Firefighter Salary in Albuquerque, NM — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Albuquerque, NM is $42,920 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Albuquerque's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Albuquerque can expect to earn around $25,900 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $60,680 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Albuquerque's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Albuquerque are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Albuquerque typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 36.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Albuquerque, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.