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Average Firefighters Salary in Charleston, WV

Firefighters in Charleston, WV, earn an average annual salary of $40,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, indicating that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. While the nominal pay may be lower, the cost of living in Charleston is on par with the national average, suggesting a balanced purchasing power for these essential workers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,740 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,650.
  • Outlook: The Charleston, WV, firefighter job market demonstrates a stable presence, with a total local workforce of 240 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of firefighters that is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand for their services without significant oversupply or undersupply.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,740

The average Firefighters in Charleston, WV earns-6.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.6

Weekly

$783

Monthly

$3,395

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV

Salary progression for firefighters in Charleston, WV, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$30,000$14.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$30,555$14.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$38,340$18.4
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$50,925$24.5
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$49,650$23.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,740

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,740

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,740 in Charleston, WV, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Charleston is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

2.223

Per 1K Jobs

1.03

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.03, Charleston, WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.03, Charleston, WV, exhibits a firefighter job market that is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a balanced competitive landscape where the number of available positions closely matches the number of qualified professionals, making it neither exceptionally competitive nor oversaturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Firefighters Salary$36,690↓ 10%44 mi
Beckley, WV Firefighters Salary$46,200↑ 13%46 mi

Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Charleston, WV?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Charleston, WV is $40,740. This typically ranges from $30,000 for entry-level positions to $49,650 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 6.1% lower than the national median of $43,380.

Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Firefighters?

No, but it offers stable compensation.While the average salary of $40,740 is below the national average, the cost of living in Charleston, WV, is also at the national average, providing equivalent purchasing power.

Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($36,690) and Beckley, WV.

How does Charleston, WV compare to the national average salary for Firefighters?

The average annual salary for Firefighters in Charleston, WV, is $40,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of Firefighters in Charleston, WV compared to the rest of the country?

Charleston, WV has a Location Quotient of 1.03 for Firefighters, indicating a concentration that is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Charleston, WV affect a Firefighter's salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV, is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $40,740 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with a cost of living of 100.

What is the total number of Firefighters employed in Charleston, WV?

There are approximately 240 Firefighters employed in the Charleston, WV area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 2.223 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston, WV