Average Firefighters Salary in Florence, SC
Firefighters in Florence, SC earn an average annual salary of $34,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this South Carolina city. While the specific reasons for this disparity require deeper analysis, it's clear that the regional market dynamics influence firefighter pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,010.
- Outlook: The Florence, SC market for firefighters shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.42, which is above the national average. With a total local workforce of 280, this suggests a slightly higher demand for firefighters relative to the national distribution. The presence of 3.064 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for this essential profession in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Florence, SC earns-21.0%below the national average.
$16.5
$659
$2,855
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Florence, SC firefighters is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for this profession have seen consistent, modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving training requirements likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation for firefighters across the country, including in Florence.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Florence, SC
As firefighters gain experience and specialized skills, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters with extensive experience, leadership roles, or specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect this career progression, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $25,550 | $12.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $25,695 | $12.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $32,200 | $15.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $42,825 | $20.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $46,010 | $22.1 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for firefighters in Florence, SC is $34,260, which aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While this indicates a balanced cost of living relative to income, it also suggests that firefighters may not experience a significant financial advantage or disadvantage when relocating to Florence compared to the national median.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
3.064
Per 1K Jobs
1.42
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.42, Florence, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
Florence, SC exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.42 for firefighters, indicating that the profession is more concentrated in this area than the national average. This suggests a potentially stronger demand or a more established presence of firefighting services relative to the general workforce. While not an overwhelmingly saturated market, the concentration implies a competitive environment where the number of available positions is somewhat elevated compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sumter, SC Firefighters Salary | $48,870↑ 43% | 38 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Firefighters Salary | $52,550↑ 53% | 61 mi |
| Columbia, SC Firefighters Salary | $44,430↑ 30% | 64 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $39,960↑ 17% | 70 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $38,430↑ 12% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Florence, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Florence, SC?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Florence, SC is $34,260. This typically ranges from $25,550 for entry-level positions to $46,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florence, SC is 21.0% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Florence, SC a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,260 in Florence, SC is significantly lower than the national average of $43,380. While the cost of living is average, the nominal pay does not offer a lucrative advantage.
Is Florence, SC a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Florence, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florence, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sumter, SC ($48,870) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Florence, SC?
The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Florence, SC is $34,260.
How does the Florence, SC firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Florence, SC ($34,260) is lower than the national average salary of $43,380 for firefighters.
What is the cost of living in Florence, SC?
Florence, SC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for firefighters in Florence, SC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.42, the concentration of firefighters is higher than the national average, suggesting a stable to moderate demand for the profession in Florence, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Florence, SC area with a job density of 3.064 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 Florence, SC