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Firefighter Salary in Dayton, OH β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Dayton's cost of living (index: 83). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Dayton β€” Key Numbers

$50,356
Median Salary
$35,101
25th Percentile
$71,048
75th Percentile
$93,325
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-17.0%
Dayton median household income$54,600
vs. City household income-7.8%

Cost of Living in Dayton

Cost of Living Index
83(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$875/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.9%
Annual rent cost$10,500
Median Home Price$170,000
Home Price / Salary3.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$34,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.4 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 Dayton

4.7%
Unemployment Rate
820,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
36.4
Median Age

Dayton has a metro population of 820,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.7% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Dayton, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Dayton is $50,356 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Dayton's cost of living index (83). The typical salary range runs from $35,101 (25th percentile) to $71,048 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $93,325.

Is Dayton affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $50,356 annual salary, a Firefighter in Dayton would spend approximately 20.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($875/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Dayton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $170,000 is 3.4Γ— the annual salary.

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

Dayton's median household income is $54,600. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $50,356 earns 7.8% less than the typical Dayton household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Dayton 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.