Average Firefighters Salary in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Firefighters in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area earn an average annual salary of $36,690. 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 region. The specific pay scale here reflects the unique economic landscape and the localized demand for essential services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 300 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the Huntington-Ashland area exhibits a job market that closely mirrors the national concentration of this profession. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for firefighters, suggesting a consistent need for these essential workers within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-15.4%below the national average.
$17.6
$706
$3,058
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that firefighter salaries across the nation, including in regions like Huntington-Ashland, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, evolving job responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel in this critical public service role.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
Salary progression for firefighters in Huntington-Ashland, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory roles can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $27,518 | $13.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $35,410 | $17 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $45,863 | $22 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $47,050 | $22.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $36,690 in Huntington-Ashland aligns perfectly 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 income is comparable to the national standard, making the effective financial standing relatively balanced.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
2.113
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 0.98x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.98 for firefighters in Huntington-Ashland indicates that the concentration of this profession in the area is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of and demand for firefighters are relatively stable, without significant oversupply or undersupply compared to national trends.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Firefighters Salary | $40,740↑ 11% | 44 mi |
| Beckley, WV Firefighters Salary | $46,200↑ 26% | 80 mi |
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $36,690. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $47,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 15.4% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.Firefighters in Huntington-Ashland earn $36,690 annually, which is below the national average of $43,380. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($40,740) and Beckley, WV.
How does the local firefighter workforce size compare nationally?
The local workforce of 300 firefighters is a key component of the regional service infrastructure, though its absolute size relative to the national workforce isn't directly provided, the concentration (LQ) is near average.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 2.113 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the density of firefighter employment within the local labor market, showing a moderate presence of the profession relative to the overall working population.
Does experience significantly impact a firefighter's salary in this region?
Yes, as with most professions, experience and seniority are key drivers of salary increases for firefighters in Huntington-Ashland, moving individuals up the pay scale from entry-level to senior positions.
How does the cost of living affect the reported salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $36,690 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by a comparable cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 2.113 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH