Public Service Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Firefighter Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median firefighter salary in Erie, PA is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$43,411
vs State Avg
$-6,202
vs National
$-8,269
Cost of Living
84%

Firefighter Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median firefighter salary of $43,411, which is $6,202 below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,613. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie'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 Erie an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Erie 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. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, 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 Erie, PA

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

Firefighter Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$52,714
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$48,579
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$48,062
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$45,478
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Firefighter in Erie

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Erie

Browse open firefighter positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Erie

How much does a Firefighter make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,411, a firefighter in Erie earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Erie's median firefighter salary of $43,411 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,613. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $43,411 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Erie? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Erie 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.