Average Firefighters Salary in Bowling Green, KY
Firefighters in Bowling Green, KY earn an average annual salary of $39,290, which is below the national average of $43,380. This difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand for fire services and the overall wage structure within the Bowling Green metropolitan area. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,410.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.32, Bowling Green exhibits a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, and potentially growing, demand for firefighting services within the region, indicating a robust job market for those in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Bowling Green, KY earns-9.4%below the national average.
$18.9
$756
$3,274
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bowling Green firefighters is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic conditions, inflation, and evolving responsibilities for firefighters typically drive incremental increases in compensation across most U.S. markets.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Bowling Green, KY
As with most professions, firefighter salaries in Bowling Green, KY, are expected to scale with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior firefighters with extensive experience and specialized skills will earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, if available, would clearly signify this career progression and the associated earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,290 | $14.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,468 | $14.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $35,660 | $17.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $49,113 | $23.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $47,410 | $22.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $39,290 in Bowling Green, KY, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power relative to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Bowling Green is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
2.843
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Bowling Green, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates that Bowling Green, KY, has a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive job market where demand is strong enough to support a larger-than-average workforce, but also implies that new entrants might face more competition for open positions compared to less concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN-KY Firefighters Salary | $48,420↑ 23% | 57 mi |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Firefighters Salary | $48,590↑ 24% | 59 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Firefighters Salary | $40,380↑ 3% | 59 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $44,870↑ 14% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bowling Green, KY
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Bowling Green, KY?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Bowling Green, KY is $39,290. This typically ranges from $29,290 for entry-level positions to $47,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bowling Green, KY is 9.4% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Bowling Green, KY a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the firefighter salary of $39,290 is below the national average of $43,380. The higher concentration of firefighters suggests a stable market but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Bowling Green, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bowling Green, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Clarksville, TN-KY ($48,420) and Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN.
How does Bowling Green's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in Bowling Green, KY is $39,290, which is approximately $4,090 less than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green, KY has a Location Quotient of 1.32 for firefighters, meaning the concentration of these professionals is 32% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Bowling Green affect firefighter salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Bowling Green's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $39,290 salary has average purchasing power nationally.
What does the number of firefighters per 1,000 workers indicate?
Having 2.843 firefighters per 1,000 workers suggests a significant presence of the profession within the local labor force, aligning with the higher Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Bowling Green, KY area with a job density of 2.843 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 Bowling Green, KY