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Job Salary Guide ยท 2026

Firefighter Salary After Tax in Philadelphia

Based on BLS OEWS data ยท PA ยท Single filer

Rent: High StressCOL Index: 1.33

Firefighter Salary Range

25th Percentile

$40,000

Take-home:

$32,950

$2,746/mo

Entry to mid-level

Median

$52,000

Take-home:

$42,224

$3,519/mo

Typical salary

75th Percentile

$72,000

Take-home:

$56,828

$4,736/mo

Senior / specialist

Tax Breakdown

At median salary of $52,000

Gross Salary$52,000
Federal Tax(8.1%)โ€“$4,202
PA State Taxโ€“$1,596
Social Securityโ€“$3,224
Medicareโ€“$754
Annual Take-Home$42,224
$3,519Monthly
$1,624Bi-Weekly
18.8%Effective Rate

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

Rent-to-income ratio (1BR)51.2% โ€” High Stress

1BR Monthly Rent

$1,800/mo

2BR Monthly Rent

$2,300/mo

COL Index

1.33

Comfortable Rent Max

$879/mo

50 / 30 / 20 Budget Planner

Based on your monthly take-home of $3,519 ($42,228/yr)

Needs 50%Wants 30%Savings 20%
Needs50%

$1,760

per month

  • โ€บRent / mortgage
  • โ€บGroceries
  • โ€บUtilities
  • โ€บInsurance
  • โ€บMinimum debt payments
  • โ€บTransportation
Wants30%

$1,056

per month

  • โ€บDining out
  • โ€บStreaming services
  • โ€บGym
  • โ€บHobbies
  • โ€บTravel
  • โ€บShopping
Savings20%

$704

per month

  • โ€บEmergency fund
  • โ€บ401(k) / IRA
  • โ€บInvestments
  • โ€บDown payment fund
  • โ€บDebt payoff (extra)

Needs / year

$21,114

Wants / year

$12,668

Savings / year

$8,446

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Philadelphia?

The median Firefighter salary in Philadelphia (PA) is $52,000 per year based on BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $40,000 and the 75th percentile is $72,000.

What is the take-home pay for a Firefighter in Philadelphia?

At the median salary of $52,000, a Firefighter in PA takes home approximately $42,224 per year ($3,519/month) after federal and state taxes. The effective tax rate is 18.8%.

Can a Firefighter afford rent in Philadelphia?

The average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia is $1,800/month. On the median Firefighter salary, your rent-to-income ratio is 51.2%, which is "High Stress". Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 25โ€“30% of take-home pay ($879/month at this salary).

How does cost of living affect Firefighter salaries in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a cost-of-living index of 1.33 (1.00 = national average). Philadelphia is 33% more expensive than the US average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the Firefighter salary.