Average Firefighters Salary in Asheville, NC
Firefighters in Asheville, NC earn an average annual salary of $39,490. This figure is below the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of living, play a significant role in compensation for this vital profession within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,620.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 920 individuals, Asheville demonstrates a notable concentration of firefighters, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.27. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is more than double the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for firefighters in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Asheville, NC earns-9.0%below the national average.
$19
$759
$3,291
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Asheville have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and collective bargaining agreements likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for this essential role.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Salary progression for firefighters in Asheville typically correlates with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or those in leadership roles can expect significantly higher earnings. The variance in pay across different experience levels reflects a clear career ladder and opportunities for advancement within the fire department.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,440 | $14.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,618 | $14.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,050 | $17.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $49,363 | $23.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $51,620 | $24.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $39,490 in Asheville aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's income in Asheville is comparable to that of a firefighter earning the national average salary in a location with average living expenses.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
4.902
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 2.3x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Asheville's Location Quotient of 2.27 signifies a strong concentration of firefighter jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market for firefighters in Asheville is significantly more robust and potentially less saturated than in many other parts of the country, offering a favorable environment for job seekers in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Firefighters Salary | $45,010↑ 14% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Firefighters Salary | $41,160↑ 4% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Firefighters Salary | $42,110↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Firefighters Salary | $38,930↓ 1% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Firefighters Salary | $38,850↓ 2% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Asheville, NC is $39,490. This typically ranges from $29,440 for entry-level positions to $51,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 9.0% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Asheville has a strong concentration of firefighter jobs (LQ of 2.27), the average salary of $39,490 is below the national average of $43,380, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($45,010) and Johnson City, TN.
How does Asheville's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in Asheville, NC is $39,490, which is lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Asheville compared to the rest of the US?
Asheville has a significantly higher concentration of firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 2.27, meaning there are more than double the expected number of firefighters compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Asheville affect a firefighter's salary?
Asheville's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary of $39,490 has average purchasing power when compared to the national average.
What does the job market look like for firefighters in Asheville?
The job market appears strong, with 4.902 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high Location Quotient, indicating a greater demand for firefighters in Asheville than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 4.902 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC