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Firefighter Salary in Rio Rancho, NM

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

Median Salary
$49,930
per year in Rio Rancho
Entry Level
$30,130
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,591
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
94
6% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,130$49,930$70,591
Monthly$2,511$4,161$5,883
Biweekly$1,159$1,920$2,715
Weekly$579$960$1,358
Hourly$14$24$34

Rio Rancho vs National Average

How Rio Rancho's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Rio Rancho Salary
$49,930
COL Index: 94
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,430
Lower in Rio Rancho

Cost of Living in Rio Rancho

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,050
per month
Median Income
$58,420
per year
Population
104,046
residents
Rent % of Income
21.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 94 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rio Rancho 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
+23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Rio Rancho, NM — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Rio Rancho, NM is $49,930 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 94. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rio Rancho's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Rio Rancho can expect to earn around $30,130 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $70,591 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rio Rancho's cost of living index of 94 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,050 per month, housing represents about 25.2% 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 Rio Rancho, 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.