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Firefighter Salary in East Lansing, MI

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

Median Salary
$51,089
per year in East Lansing
Entry Level
$30,829
Starting salary
Senior Level
$72,229
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,829$51,089$72,229
Monthly$2,569$4,257$6,019
Biweekly$1,186$1,965$2,778
Weekly$593$982$1,389
Hourly$15$25$35

East Lansing vs National Average

How East Lansing's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

East Lansing Salary
$51,089
COL Index: 92
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,271
Lower in East Lansing

Cost of Living in East Lansing

1-Bedroom Rent
$900
per month
Median Income
$30,234
per year
Population
48,480
residents
Rent % of Income
35.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in East Lansing 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
+106%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+94%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+73%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+17%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+21%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in East Lansing.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in East Lansing, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in East Lansing, MI is $51,089 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering East Lansing's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in East Lansing can expect to earn around $30,829 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $72,229 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

East Lansing's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in East Lansing 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 East Lansing typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $900 per month, housing represents about 21.1% 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 East Lansing, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.