Are Baton Rouge Firefighters Underpaid?

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The study shows a firefighter in his 20th year of service in Baton Rouge could earn about $53,000 in total compensation, which combines base pay, longevity pay and other allowances. On the other hand, the average total compensation for 20-year firefighters in the peer cities included in the study is $57,577.

However, 20-year Baton Rouge firefighters have 360 hours of leave, whereas similar firefighters in the peer cities have 254 leave hours on average. A 20-year Baton Rouge firefighter also would have around 288 holiday hours, as opposed to an average of 105 holiday hours for firefighters in the peer cities.

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LINK So a 20 year veteran of the BRFD is expected to work 1,432 hours per year after allowances for leave and holidays, and he is paid $53,000. That is $37.01 per hour. The average 20 year veteran in a peer city is expected to work 1,721 hours per year for $57,577. That is $33.46 per hour.

Baton Rouge pays its firefighters over 10% more on an expected hours of work basis than the peer cities it was compared to. The article ignores the value of retirement benefits, other than referencing that retirement is paid for by a dedicated property tax millage. The value of those contributions should be included in total compensation. As such, I do not have much sympathy for the firefighters' demands for a 6% pay increase.