Public Service Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Firefighter Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median firefighter salary in Cleveland, OH is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$44,445
vs State Avg
$-2,067
vs National
$-7,235
Cost of Living
86%

Firefighter Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $2,067 below the Ohio state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Cleveland spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $25,456
25th Percentile $33,196
Median (50th) $44,445
75th Percentile $61,232
90th Percentile $79,808

Firefighter Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$49,096
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$46,512
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$43,411
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$42,378
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Firefighter in Cleveland

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open firefighter positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Firefighter make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Cleveland earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Cleveland's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $46,512. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $44,445 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Cleveland? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Cleveland 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.