How does a Firefighter's salary in Buffalo compare to the rest of New York?

Buffalo's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $53,390 earns $990 more than the median household income in Buffalo ($52,400).

Firefighter Salary in Buffalo, NY — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Buffalo's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Buffalo — Key Numbers

$53,390

Median Salary

$37,215

25th Percentile

$75,328

75th Percentile

$98,947

90th Percentile

National median (Firefighter)$60,670

vs. National median-12.0%

Buffalo median household income$52,400

vs. City household income+1.9%

Cost of Living in Buffalo

Cost of Living Index

88(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,125/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio25.3%

Annual rent cost$13,500

Median Home Price$215,000

Home Price / Salary4.0×

20% Down Payment$43,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.0 yrs

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

Job Market in Buffalo

4.2%

Unemployment Rate

1,200,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

36.2

Median Age

Buffalo has a metro population of 1,200,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Buffalo

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Cost of Living — Buffalo

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Firefighter Salary in New York

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Buffalo

Physician$201,784 Chief Executive Officer$184,800 Dentist$154,449 IT Manager$149,169 Marketing Manager$138,706 Lawyer$128,269

Firefighter Salary — Other New York Cities

New York, NY$113,453 Rochester, NY$52,176 Albany, NY$57,637 Poughkeepsie, NY$72,804 Syracuse, NY$52,176

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Buffalo, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Buffalo is $53,390 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Buffalo's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $37,215 (25th percentile) to $75,328 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $98,947.

Is Buffalo affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $53,390 annual salary, a Firefighter in Buffalo would spend approximately 25.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,125/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Buffalo relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 4.0× the annual salary.

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

Buffalo's median household income is $52,400. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $53,390 earns 1.9% more than the typical Buffalo household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Firefighter — National Firefighter in New York All Salary Guides

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.