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Firefighter Salary in Rochester, MN

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

Median Salary
$68,340
per year in Rochester
Entry Level
$41,239
Starting salary
Senior Level
$96,619
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$41,239$68,340$96,619
Monthly$3,437$5,695$8,052
Biweekly$1,586$2,628$3,716
Weekly$793$1,314$1,858
Hourly$20$33$46

Rochester vs National Average

How Rochester's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Rochester Salary
$68,340
COL Index: 111
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,980
Higher in Rochester

Cost of Living in Rochester

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,345
per year
Population
126,417
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rochester 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
+54%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+45%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+29%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-12%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
-10%

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 Rochester, MN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Rochester, MN is $68,340 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rochester's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Rochester can expect to earn around $41,239 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $96,619 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rochester's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Rochester 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 Rochester typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 28.1% 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 Rochester, 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.