Firefighter Salary in Cleveland, OH — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Cleveland's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Firefighter Salary in Cleveland — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Cleveland
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 Cleveland
Cleveland has a metro population of 2,010,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.
Financial Calculators for Cleveland
Other Professions in Cleveland
Firefighter Salary — Other Ohio Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighter make in Cleveland, OH?
The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Cleveland is $51,570 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Cleveland's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $35,947 (25th percentile) to $72,760 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $95,574.
Is Cleveland affordable for a Firefighter?
On a $51,570 annual salary, a Firefighter in Cleveland would spend approximately 22.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Cleveland relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $175,000 is 3.4× the annual salary.
How does a Firefighter's salary compare to Cleveland's overall income?
Cleveland's median household income is $52,600. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $51,570 earns 2.0% less than the typical Cleveland household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Cleveland has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.
Explore More Salary Data
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.