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Firefighter Salary in Lancaster, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Lancaster's cost of living (index: 94). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Lancaster β€” Key Numbers

$57,030
Median Salary
$39,753
25th Percentile
$80,464
75th Percentile
$105,694
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-6.0%
Lancaster median household income$64,400
vs. City household income-11.4%

Cost of Living in Lancaster

Cost of Living Index
94(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.2%
Annual rent cost$13,800
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary4.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
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 Lancaster

3.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
37.2
Median Age

Lancaster has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.4% 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 Lancaster, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Lancaster is $57,030 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Lancaster's cost of living index (94). The typical salary range runs from $39,753 (25th percentile) to $80,464 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $105,694.

Is Lancaster affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $57,030 annual salary, a Firefighter in Lancaster would spend approximately 24.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Lancaster relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $270,000 is 4.7Γ— the annual salary.

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

Lancaster's median household income is $64,400. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $57,030 earns 11.4% less than the typical Lancaster household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Lancaster 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.