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Firefighter Salary in Albany, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Albany's cost of living (index: 95). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Albany β€” Key Numbers

$57,637
Median Salary
$40,176
25th Percentile
$81,320
75th Percentile
$106,818
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-5.0%
Albany median household income$66,800
vs. City household income-13.7%

Cost of Living in Albany

Cost of Living Index
95(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,200/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio25.0%
Annual rent cost$14,400
Median Home Price$275,000
Home Price / Salary4.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$55,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Albany

3.5%
Unemployment Rate
905,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
38.4
Median Age

Albany has a metro population of 905,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.5% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Albany, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Albany is $57,637 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Albany's cost of living index (95). The typical salary range runs from $40,176 (25th percentile) to $81,320 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $106,818.

Is Albany affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $57,637 annual salary, a Firefighter in Albany would spend approximately 25.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,200/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Albany relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $275,000 is 4.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Firefighter's salary compare to Albany's overall income?

Albany's median household income is $66,800. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $57,637 earns 13.7% less than the typical Albany household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Albany has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.