Firefighter Salary in Pennsylvania
Firefighter pay in Pennsylvania, explained
Firefighters in Pennsylvania earn a median of $73,460 per year ($35.32 per hour), which is 24% above the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $48,620, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $89,190. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Pennsylvania.
Is $73,460 good pay in Pennsylvania?
Adjusted for Pennsylvania's cost of living (which runs 98% of the U.S. average), that $73,460 is worth about $75,288 in national buying power — ranking Pennsylvania #6 for real pay (vs #10 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in Pennsylvania
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (here) | $73,460 | $75,288 | — |
| New York | $100,960 | $93,550 | −$27,500 |
| New Jersey | $84,130 | $77,322 | −$10,670 |
| Maryland | $73,810 | $70,323 | −$350 |
| Ohio | $59,370 | $63,994 | +$14,090 |
| Delaware | $46,710 | $46,800 | +$26,750 |
| West Virginia | $37,350 | $41,733 | +$36,110 |
Firefighter in Pennsylvania: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in Pennsylvania?
Firefighters in Pennsylvania earn a median of $73,460 per year ($35.32 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does Pennsylvania pay firefighters well?
At $73,460, Pennsylvania pays 24% above the national median for firefighters. An estimated 5,020 work in the state.