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Firefighter Salary in Wausau, WI

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

Median Salary
$45,632
per year in Wausau
Entry Level
$27,537
Starting salary
Senior Level
$64,515
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
84
16% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$27,537$45,632$64,515
Monthly$2,295$3,803$5,376
Biweekly$1,059$1,755$2,481
Weekly$530$878$1,241
Hourly$13$22$31

Wausau vs National Average

How Wausau's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Wausau Salary
$45,632
COL Index: 84
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,728
Lower in Wausau

Cost of Living in Wausau

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$46,821
per year
Population
39,910
residents
Rent % of Income
18.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 84 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wausau 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
+131%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+117%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+93%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+31%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+35%

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 Wausau, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Wausau, WI is $45,632 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 84. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wausau's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Wausau can expect to earn around $27,537 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $64,515 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wausau's cost of living index of 84 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Wausau 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 Wausau typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 18.9% 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 Wausau, 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.