Average Firefighters Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Firefighters in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area earn an average annual salary of $38,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,380. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and cost of living within the region, often influence these regional pay scales, creating a unique compensation landscape for this vital profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,270.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region supports a local workforce of 740 firefighters, with 4.744 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 2.2 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for firefighting professionals in this area.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-12.0%below the national average.
$18.4
$734
$3,182
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for essential services like firefighting tend to experience steady, incremental growth. This trend is often driven by inflation, increased responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel in a competitive labor market.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters with specialized skills and years of service can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation through dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,040 | $14 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $28,635 | $13.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $34,790 | $16.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $47,725 | $22.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $55,270 | $26.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $38,180 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, firefighters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, will find their nominal earnings align directly with the national cost of goods and services. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
4.744
Per 1K Jobs
2.2
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 2.2x 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 2.2 for firefighters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, signifies that this profession is more than twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive job market where employers may actively seek to fill these specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Firefighters Salary | $46,190↑ 21% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Firefighters Salary | $42,110↑ 10% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Firefighters Salary | $37,160↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Firefighters Salary | $39,490↑ 3% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Firefighters Salary | $41,160↑ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $38,180. This typically ranges from $29,040 for entry-level positions to $55,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 12.0% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the firefighter salary of $38,180 is below the national average of $43,380, indicating less lucrative pay compared to other regions.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($46,190) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the local firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $38,180, which is $5,200 less than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Location Quotient for firefighters is 2.2, meaning the area has more than double the concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
What does a Cost of Living Index of 100 mean for firefighters?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that the cost of goods and services in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is exactly the same as the national average.
How many firefighters are employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area?
There are approximately 740 firefighters employed within the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 4.744 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Firefighters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC