Firefighter Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $56,553 (2024)

The median firefighter salary in Philadelphia, PA is $56,553 per year ($27.19/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $36,763 for entry-level positions to $81,446 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level firefighters in Philadelphia, PA typically start at around $36,763 per year ($17.67/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $56,553 within 3-5 years.

Firefighters in Philadelphia, PA earn a median hourly wage of $27.19 per hour. Hourly rates range from $17.67/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $39.16/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $36,763 and $81,446.

The median firefighter salary of $56,553 in Philadelphia, PA is slightly below the national median of $57,120 (1.0% lower). This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of firefighters in the area earn more and half earn less.

Firefighters in Philadelphia, PA earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $56,553 is 1.0% lower than the national median of $57,120. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $54,274.

The top 10% of firefighters in Philadelphia, PA earn $81,446 or more per year ($39.16/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $67,805, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost firefighter salary in Philadelphia, PA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $56,553, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($67,805) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Philadelphia, PA has a specialized job market for firefighters, with approximately 341 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $56,553 is slightly below the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your firefighter salary to these Philadelphia, PA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $36,763, 25th percentile: $47,206, 50th percentile (median): $56,553, 75th percentile: $67,805, 90th percentile (top earners): $81,446. If you earn more than $56,553, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $56,553 median base salary, firefighters in Philadelphia, PA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced firefighters with 5-10 years in Philadelphia, PA typically earn $67,805 (75th percentile) to $81,446 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $81,446. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $56,553.

Firefighters in Philadelphia, PA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($36,763) to median ($56,553) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($81,446) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $44,683 over a career.