Public Service Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Firefighter Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median firefighter salary in Reading, PA is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-4,135
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $4,135 below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,613. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Reading spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

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
Erie, PA
$43,411
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Firefighter in Reading

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Reading

Browse open firefighter positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Reading

How much does a Firefighter make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Reading earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Reading's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $49,613. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Reading? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Reading 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.