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Firefighter Salary in Fort Wayne, IN

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

Median Salary
$47,202
per year in Fort Wayne
Entry Level
$28,484
Starting salary
Senior Level
$66,734
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 Fort Wayne.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,484$47,202$66,734
Monthly$2,374$3,934$5,561
Biweekly$1,096$1,815$2,567
Weekly$548$908$1,283
Hourly$14$23$32

Fort Wayne vs National Average

How Fort Wayne's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Wayne Salary
$47,202
COL Index: 92
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,158
Lower in Fort Wayne

Cost of Living in Fort Wayne

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
268,337
residents
Rent % of Income
26.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fort Wayne 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
+123%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+110%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+87%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+27%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+31%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Fort Wayne, IN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Fort Wayne, IN is $47,202 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fort Wayne's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Fort Wayne can expect to earn around $28,484 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $66,734 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fort Wayne's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 29.2% 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 Fort Wayne, 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.