Public Service Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Firefighter Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median firefighter salary in Philadelphia, PA is $52,714 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$52,714
vs State Avg
+$3,101
vs National
+$1,034
Cost of Living
102%

Firefighter Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median firefighter salary of $52,714, which is $3,101 above the Pennsylvania state average of $49,613. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $30,192 at the 10th percentile to $94,656 at the 90th percentile — a $64,464 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,640, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,640. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level firefighter earns around $32,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,640
+$640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,040
+$1,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $30,192
25th Percentile $39,372
Median (50th) $52,714
75th Percentile $72,624
90th Percentile $94,656

Firefighter Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$48,579
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$48,062
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$45,478
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$43,411
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Firefighter in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open firefighter positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Firefighter make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $52,714 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $30,192 (10th percentile) to $94,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,714, a firefighter in Philadelphia earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median firefighter salary of $52,714 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $49,613. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $52,714 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Philadelphia? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Philadelphia 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.