Average Firefighters Salary in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Firefighters in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $46,190. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a localized premium for this critical profession. The higher compensation in this region can often be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, demand for services, and the specific needs of the local community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,220.
- Outlook: The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area demonstrates a robust job market for firefighters, with a total local workforce of 4,520 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.57 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for firefighting professionals in this metropolitan region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC earns+6.5%above the national average.
$22.2
$888
$3,849
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving responsibilities within the profession typically drive incremental salary increases, ensuring that compensation remains competitive.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
Salary progression for firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,430 | $14.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $34,643 | $16.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,530 | $18 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $57,738 | $27.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $72,220 | $34.7 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the nominal salary of $46,190 for firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC holds its purchasing power effectively. This means that the average salary provides a standard of living equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial prospect for those considering relocation.
Job Market Context
4,520
Total Jobs
3.374
Per 1K Jobs
1.57
Location Quotient
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.57 for firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC indicates a market that is 57% more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market, where demand likely outpaces supply to some degree, potentially leading to competitive recruitment and retention efforts by local fire departments.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Firefighters Salary | $38,180↓ 17% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Firefighters Salary | $42,110↓ 9% | 64 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $43,560↓ 6% | 65 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $33,060↓ 28% | 65 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $37,720↓ 18% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $46,190. This typically ranges from $29,430 for entry-level positions to $72,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 6.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a more lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is at the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($38,180) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the firefighter salary in Charlotte compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $46,190, which is higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC?
The Location Quotient is 1.57, meaning the area has a significantly higher concentration of firefighters compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Charlotte?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $46,190 salary has standard purchasing power within the region.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area?
There are approximately 4,520 firefighters employed within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,520 employees in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area with a job density of 3.374 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 Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC