Firefighters Salary in Cleveland, OH

In Cleveland, OH, firefighters earn a median annual salary of $62,460, which is higher than the national median of $59,530 for the occupation according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wages Survey. This salary equates to a median hourly rate of $30.03. When compared to the local area's median household income of $68,507, it is evident that firefighters' earnings are competitive within the community context. The fact that 50% of firefighters earn more than this figure indicates a solid earning potential relative to other job roles in Cleveland, despite the local unemployment rate being relatively low at 3.80%.

Entry-level firefighters in Cleveland generally earn less than their experienced counterparts due to factors such as tenure, skill level, and additional certifications or responsibilities assumed over time. The lower end of the pay scale is represented by the 10th percentile salary, which stands at $37,610 annually, while more seasoned firefighters might reach salaries closer to the 75th percentile mark of $75,130 per year, with top earners in the 90th percentile making up to $77,830. This substantial range highlights how experience and career advancement significantly influence earnings within this field, driving differences as individuals progress through ranks and take on more complex roles or higher-risk assignments.