Firefighter Salaries in Pennsylvania — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Firefighters in Pennsylvania earn an average of $71,430 per year ($34.34/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 0 firefighters.
Firefighter salaries in Pennsylvania are above the national average by approximately $14,068. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Access to major East Coast metros gives Pennsylvania firefighters access to higher-paying employers.
Pennsylvania Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Pennsylvania after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Pennsylvania Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Pennsylvania median of $71,430.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Pennsylvania
Firefighter Salary Trend in Pennsylvania — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Pennsylvania has seen 13.9% wage growth for firefighters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Pennsylvania's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Pennsylvania
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $79,300 | $38.12 | +11.0% | 50 |
| Pittsburgh | $75,700 | $36.39 | +6.0% | 50 |
| Allentown | $73,550 | $35.36 | +3.0% | 50 |
| Erie | $68,550 | $32.96 | -4.0% | 50 |
| Reading | $65,000 | $31.25 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Scranton | $62,150 | $29.88 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Philadelphia offers the highest firefighter salaries in Pennsylvania at $79,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Pennsylvania vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Pennsylvania sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Pennsylvania
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Pennsylvania is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Pennsylvania job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Pennsylvania firefighters access to higher-paying employers.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Pennsylvania
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Pennsylvania typically adds $58,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Philadelphia pays firefighters $79,300/yr — +11.0% above the Pennsylvania average. Simply relocating within Pennsylvania can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in Pennsylvania. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays firefighters $88,380/yr — 23.7% vs Pennsylvania.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Pennsylvania
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Pennsylvania:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Pennsylvania — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Pennsylvania — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Philadelphia, PA→