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Firefighter Salary in Newark, NJ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Newark's cost of living (index: 140). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Newark β€” Key Numbers

$84,938
Median Salary
$59,206
25th Percentile
$119,840
75th Percentile
$157,416
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median+40.0%
Newark median household income$37,200
vs. City household income+128.3%

Cost of Living in Newark

Cost of Living Index
140(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,800/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio25.4%
Annual rent cost$21,600
Median Home Price$395,000
Home Price / Salary4.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$79,000
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 Newark

6.1%
Unemployment Rate
310,000
Metro Population
33 min
Avg Commute
33.4
Median Age

Newark has a metro population of 310,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 6.1% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Firefighter Salary β€” Other New Jersey Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Newark, NJ?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Newark is $84,938 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Newark's cost of living index (140). The typical salary range runs from $59,206 (25th percentile) to $119,840 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $157,416.

Is Newark affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $84,938 annual salary, a Firefighter in Newark would spend approximately 25.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,800/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Newark relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $395,000 is 4.7Γ— the annual salary.

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

Newark's median household income is $37,200. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $84,938 earns 128.3% more than the typical Newark 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.