Average Firefighters Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Firefighters in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area earn an average annual salary of $55,790. This figure substantially surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a localized demand and compensation structure that reflects the specific economic and operational needs of this Florida region. The higher pay is often a result of factors unique to the area, such as specific service demands or regional economic conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,180.
- Outlook: The local job market for firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin appears robust, with a total local workforce of 440 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.63 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting a sustained or growing demand for firefighting professionals in this specific metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL earns+28.6%above the national average.
$26.8
$1,073
$4,649
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's generally observed that salaries for essential services like firefighting tend to experience steady growth over a four-year span. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs, and the continuous need for skilled emergency responders, suggesting that firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin have likely seen their compensation increase over recent years.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership roles can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distributions are a clear indicator of this career progression, with senior firefighters occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,440 | $17.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $41,843 | $20.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $51,910 | $25 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $69,738 | $33.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $83,180 | $40 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $55,790 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin find their nominal earnings hold their purchasing power effectively. This means the salary translates directly to the national average cost of goods and services, offering a stable financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
3.517
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL 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 1.63 for firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin strongly indicates a market with a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where demand may be outstripping supply, or simply that the region places a significant emphasis on its firefighting services, potentially leading to better compensation and opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Firefighters Salary | $42,480↓ 24% | 42 mi |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Firefighters Salary | $46,730↓ 16% | 69 mi |
| Dothan, AL Firefighters Salary | $45,220↓ 19% | 77 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Firefighters Salary | $51,480↓ 8% | 78 mi |
| Mobile, AL Firefighters Salary | $50,390↓ 10% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $55,790. This typically ranges from $36,440 for entry-level positions to $83,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 28.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a more lucrative place for Firefighters compared to the national average.Firefighters here earn approximately $12,410 more annually than the national average. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this salary offers strong purchasing power within the region.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL ($42,480) and Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL.
How does the local firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin earn an average of $55,790 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in this area?
The Location Quotient for firefighters in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin is 1.63, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 63% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $55,790 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of firefighters in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin area?
There are approximately 440 firefighters employed within the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin 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 440 employees in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area with a job density of 3.517 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Firefighters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- All Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Management Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
- Browse All Jobs in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL