Public Service Cincinnati, OH Pop. 309,317

Firefighter Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio

The median firefighter salary in Cincinnati, OH is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$46,512
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,168
Cost of Living
90%

Firefighter Pay in Cincinnati: What to Expect (2026)

Cincinnati offers a median firefighter salary of $46,512, which is $0 above the Ohio state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Cincinnati pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Cincinnati's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in Cincinnati spans from $26,640 at the 10th percentile to $83,520 at the 90th percentile — a $56,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. With a population of 309,317, Cincinnati is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Cincinnati by Experience

In Cincinnati, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cincinnati, OH

Percentile Cincinnati
10th Percentile $26,640
25th Percentile $34,740
Median (50th) $46,512
75th Percentile $64,080
90th Percentile $83,520

Firefighter Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Firefighter in Cincinnati

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Cincinnati

Browse open firefighter positions in Cincinnati, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Cincinnati

How much does a Firefighter make in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Cincinnati, Ohio is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,640 (10th percentile) to $83,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Cincinnati? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,512, a firefighter in Cincinnati earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cincinnati compare to the Ohio state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Cincinnati's median firefighter salary of $46,512 is 0.0% above the Ohio state average of $46,512. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
Cincinnati has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $46,512 in Cincinnati has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Cincinnati? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Cincinnati 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.