How does a Firefighter's salary in Philadelphia compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia's cost of living index is 101 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $61,277 earns $6,477 more than the median household income in Philadelphia ($54,800).

Firefighter Salary in Philadelphia, PA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living (index: 101). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Philadelphia — Key Numbers

$61,277

Median Salary

$42,713

25th Percentile

$86,456

75th Percentile

$113,564

90th Percentile

National median (Firefighter)$60,670

vs. National median+1.0%

Philadelphia median household income$54,800

vs. City household income+11.8%

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Cost of Living Index

101(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio26.4%

Annual rent cost$16,200

Median Home Price$265,000

Home Price / Salary4.3×

20% Down Payment$53,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.3 yrs

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 Philadelphia

4.4%

Unemployment Rate

6,250,000

Metro Population

30 min

Avg Commute

34.8

Median Age

Philadelphia has a metro population of 6,250,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Philadelphia

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Cost of Living — Philadelphia

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Firefighter Salary in Pennsylvania

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Philadelphia

Physician$231,593 Chief Executive Officer$212,100 Dentist$177,265 IT Manager$171,205 Marketing Manager$159,196 Lawyer$147,218

Firefighter Salary — Other Pennsylvania Cities

Pittsburgh, PA$55,210 Allentown, PA$59,457 Harrisburg, PA$55,210 Scranton, PA$51,570 Lancaster, PA$57,030

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Philadelphia, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Philadelphia is $61,277 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Philadelphia's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $42,713 (25th percentile) to $86,456 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $113,564.

Is Philadelphia affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $61,277 annual salary, a Firefighter in Philadelphia would spend approximately 26.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Philadelphia relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $265,000 is 4.3× the annual salary.

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

Philadelphia's median household income is $54,800. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $61,277 earns 11.8% more than the typical Philadelphia household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Firefighter — National Firefighter in Pennsylvania All Salary Guides

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.