Firefighter Salary in Ohio

Firefighters in Ohio earn an average of $53,644 per year across 3 metro areas. This is +6.1% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$53,644

per year

Hourly Rate

$25.79

per hour

vs National

-6.1%

$57,120 national

Salary Range

$34,714

to $79,089

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$53,644

Cost of Living Index

91

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$58,949

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (below average), a Firefighter's salary of $53,644 has the purchasing power of $58,949 in an average-cost area.

Firefighter Salary by City in Ohio

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Columbus, OH$54,642$26.27/hr$35,884$79,169256
Cincinnati, OH$53,924$25.93/hr$35,103$79,433293
Cleveland, OH$52,365$25.18/hr$33,154$78,664263

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Ohio vs National Average

Firefighter Salary Comparison

Ohio Average$53,644
National Average$57,120
Difference-$3,476 (-6.1%)

Employment in Ohio

There are approximately 812 Firefighters employed across 3 metro areas in Ohio.

Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

State Income Tax: 0% - 3.99%

Firefighter Salary Range in Ohio

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$34,714

Starting salary for new Firefighters

Median (50th Percentile)

$53,644

Mid-career Firefighter salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$79,089

Top earners in the field

Firefighter Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Firefighter salaries in Ohio with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Ohio?

The average Firefighter salary in Ohio is $53,644 per year ($25.79/hour) based on 2026 data across 3 metro areas. This is 6.1% below the national average of $57,120.

What is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Ohio?

Columbus, OH is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Ohio, with a median salary of $54,642 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Cleveland, OH at $52,365.

What is the salary range for Firefighters in Ohio?

Firefighter salaries in Ohio range from $34,714 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $79,089 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $53,644 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Ohio. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.