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Firefighter Salary in Gainesville, FL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Gainesville's cost of living (index: 92). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Gainesville β€” Key Numbers

$55,816
Median Salary
$38,907
25th Percentile
$78,752
75th Percentile
$103,445
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-8.0%
Gainesville median household income$47,000
vs. City household income+18.8%

Cost of Living in Gainesville

Cost of Living Index
92(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.7%
Annual rent cost$13,800
Median Home Price$260,000
Home Price / Salary4.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$52,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.7 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 Gainesville

3.3%
Unemployment Rate
330,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
27.5
Median Age

Gainesville has a metro population of 330,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.3% 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 Gainesville, FL?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Gainesville is $55,816 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Gainesville's cost of living index (92). The typical salary range runs from $38,907 (25th percentile) to $78,752 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $103,445.

Is Gainesville affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $55,816 annual salary, a Firefighter in Gainesville would spend approximately 24.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Gainesville relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $260,000 is 4.7Γ— the annual salary.

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

Gainesville's median household income is $47,000. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $55,816 earns 18.8% more than the typical Gainesville household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.