Skip to main content

Firefighter Salary in Scranton, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Scranton's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Scranton β€” Key Numbers

$51,570
Median Salary
$35,947
25th Percentile
$72,760
75th Percentile
$95,574
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-15.0%
Scranton median household income$52,400
vs. City household income-1.6%

Cost of Living in Scranton

Cost of Living Index
85(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,000/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.3%
Annual rent cost$12,000
Median Home Price$155,000
Home Price / Salary3.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$31,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.0 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 Scranton

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
40
Median Age

Scranton has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Scranton, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Scranton is $51,570 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Scranton's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $35,947 (25th percentile) to $72,760 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $95,574.

Is Scranton affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $51,570 annual salary, a Firefighter in Scranton would spend approximately 23.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,000/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Scranton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $155,000 is 3.0Γ— the annual salary.

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

Scranton's median household income is $52,400. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $51,570 earns 1.6% less than the typical Scranton household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Scranton 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.