Public Service Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Firefighter Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median firefighter salary in Akron, OH is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$43,411
vs State Avg
$-3,101
vs National
$-8,269
Cost of Living
84%

Firefighter Pay in Akron: What to Expect (2026)

Akron offers a median firefighter salary of $43,411, which is $3,101 below the Ohio state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $43,411 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Akron spans from $24,864 at the 10th percentile to $77,952 at the 90th percentile — a $53,088 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
10th Percentile $24,864
25th Percentile $32,424
Median (50th) $43,411
75th Percentile $59,808
90th Percentile $77,952

Firefighter Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Firefighter in Akron

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Akron and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Akron may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Akron

Browse open firefighter positions in Akron, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Akron

How much does a Firefighter make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Akron, Ohio is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,864 (10th percentile) to $77,952 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,411, a firefighter in Akron earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Akron's median firefighter salary of $43,411 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $46,512. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $43,411 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Akron? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Akron require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.