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Firefighter Salary in Helena, MT

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

Median Salary
$50,871
per year in Helena
Entry Level
$30,698
Starting salary
Senior Level
$71,922
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 Helena.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,698$50,871$71,922
Monthly$2,558$4,239$5,994
Biweekly$1,181$1,957$2,766
Weekly$590$978$1,383
Hourly$15$24$35

Helena vs National Average

How Helena's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Helena Salary
$50,871
COL Index: 98
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,489
Lower in Helena

Cost of Living in Helena

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$54,620
per year
Population
33,124
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Helena 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
+107%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+95%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+74%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Firefighter Salary in Helena, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Helena, MT is $50,871 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Helena's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Helena can expect to earn around $30,698 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $71,922 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Helena's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Helena 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 Helena typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 24.8% 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 Helena, 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.