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Firefighter Salary in New Orleans, LA

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

Median Salary
$33,870
per year in New Orleans
Entry Level
$20,439
Starting salary
Senior Level
$47,885
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$20,439$33,870$47,885
Monthly$1,703$2,823$3,990
Biweekly$786$1,303$1,842
Weekly$393$651$921
Hourly$10$16$23

New Orleans vs National Average

How New Orleans's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

New Orleans Salary
$33,870
COL Index: 102
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$26,490
Lower in New Orleans

Cost of Living in New Orleans

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
391,006
residents
Rent % of Income
34.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in New Orleans 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
+211%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+193%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+161%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+77%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+82%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in New Orleans.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in New Orleans.

Firefighter Salary in New Orleans, LA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in New Orleans, LA is $33,870 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering New Orleans's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in New Orleans can expect to earn around $20,439 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $47,885 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

New Orleans's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in New Orleans 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 New Orleans typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 49.6% 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 New Orleans, 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.