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Firefighter Salary in Erie, PA

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

Median Salary
$49,888
per year in Erie
Entry Level
$30,104
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,531
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
87
13% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,104$49,888$70,531
Monthly$2,509$4,157$5,878
Biweekly$1,158$1,919$2,713
Weekly$579$959$1,356
Hourly$14$24$34

Erie vs National Average

How Erie's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Erie Salary
$49,888
COL Index: 87
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,472
Lower in Erie

Cost of Living in Erie

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$38,140
per year
Population
94,831
residents
Rent % of Income
26.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 87 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Erie 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
+111%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+99%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+77%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+20%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+24%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Erie, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Erie, PA is $49,888 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 87. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Erie's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Erie can expect to earn around $30,104 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $70,531 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Erie's cost of living index of 87 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Erie 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 Erie typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 20.4% 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 Erie, 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.