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Firefighter Salary in Syracuse, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Syracuse's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Syracuse β€” Key Numbers

$52,176
Median Salary
$36,369
25th Percentile
$73,616
75th Percentile
$96,698
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-14.0%
Syracuse median household income$52,200
vs. City household income-0.0%

Cost of Living in Syracuse

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,050/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.1%
Annual rent cost$12,600
Median Home Price$175,000
Home Price / Salary3.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$35,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.4 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 Syracuse

4.6%
Unemployment Rate
660,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
35.8
Median Age

Syracuse has a metro population of 660,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Syracuse, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Syracuse is $52,176 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Syracuse's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $36,369 (25th percentile) to $73,616 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $96,698.

Is Syracuse affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $52,176 annual salary, a Firefighter in Syracuse would spend approximately 24.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,050/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Syracuse relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $175,000 is 3.4Γ— the annual salary.

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

Syracuse's median household income is $52,200. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $52,176 earns 0.0% less than the typical Syracuse household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Syracuse 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.