Average Firefighters Salary in Fayetteville, NC
Firefighters in Fayetteville, NC earn an average annual salary of $37,610, which is notably below the national average of $43,380. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the local fire department, and the overall cost of living within the area. Understanding these local nuances is key to grasping firefighter compensation in Fayetteville.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,680.
- Outlook: Fayetteville's firefighter job market appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 790 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.77 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of firefighter roles relative to the general workforce. This suggests strong local demand and a well-established presence for this critical profession within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Fayetteville, NC earns-13.3%below the national average.
$18.1
$723
$3,134
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fayetteville's firefighter salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation for such essential roles has seen a gradual upward trend, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving training requirements typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for firefighters across the country.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Fayetteville, NC
Career progression for firefighters in Fayetteville, as elsewhere, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact percentile gaps are not detailed here, the difference between starting salaries and those of seasoned veterans, such as captains or battalion chiefs, can be substantial, reflecting accumulated experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. These gaps are a clear indicator of a defined career ladder within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $24,660 | $11.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,208 | $13.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,380 | $17.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,013 | $22.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $59,680 | $28.7 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for firefighters in Fayetteville stands at $37,610, aligning precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Fayetteville is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the neutral cost of living, making the take-home pay's value comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
5.969
Per 1K Jobs
2.77
Location Quotient
Fayetteville, NC has 2.8x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.77, Fayetteville demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of firefighter jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market for firefighters in Fayetteville is relatively abundant and highly specialized within the local economy. It suggests that the demand for these services is proportionally greater in Fayetteville than in many other parts of the country, potentially leading to more opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Firefighters Salary | $36,250↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Firefighters Salary | $46,310↑ 23% | 55 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $43,560↑ 16% | 60 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $33,060↓ 12% | 60 mi |
| Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $37,720↑ 0% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fayetteville, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Fayetteville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Fayetteville, NC is $37,610. This typically ranges from $24,660 for entry-level positions to $59,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fayetteville, NC is 13.3% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Fayetteville, NC a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, but the cost of living balances it.The average salary of $37,610 is below the national average, but Fayetteville's Cost of Living Index of 100 means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average.
Is Fayetteville, NC a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Fayetteville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fayetteville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC ($36,250) and Raleigh-Cary, NC.
How does Fayetteville's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Fayetteville earn an average of $37,610 annually, which is approximately $5,770 less than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Fayetteville compared to the nation?
Fayetteville has a significantly higher concentration of firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 2.77, meaning there are more than twice the national average of firefighters relative to the general workforce.
How many firefighters are employed in Fayetteville?
There are approximately 790 firefighters employed in Fayetteville, NC, indicating a substantial local workforce dedicated to this profession.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Fayetteville?
No, the cost of living in Fayetteville is exactly at the national average (100). This means the lower nominal salary of $37,610 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical US city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Fayetteville, NC area with a job density of 5.969 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 Fayetteville, NC