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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Firefighters salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$78,980
Mean annual$73,680
Range (10th to 90th)$43,530 to $90,240
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment3,440
State vs national+28.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia firefighters fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$43,53025TH$53,210MEDIAN$78,98075TH$90,24090TH$90,240

The middle 50% of workers earn between $53,210 and $90,240, with a median of $78,980.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Long-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5

  • Education and Training

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5

  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

  • Building and Construction

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    3.9 / 5

  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.

  2. 02

    Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.

  3. 03

    Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

  4. 04

    Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.

  5. 05

    Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

  6. 06

    Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.

  7. 07

    Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.

  8. 08

    Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.

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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for firefighters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Firefighters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Firefighters in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $78,980.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Firefighters?
The Philadelphia metro median is +10.6% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $71,430.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Firefighters?
The Philadelphia metro median is +28.6% versus the BLS national figure of $61,399.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $43,530 and the 90th-percentile at $90,240 for the Philadelphia metro area.
What education is required for Firefighters?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Philadelphia CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.