Average Firefighters Salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $75,320, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the specialized demands and critical nature of the role within the Kennewick-Richland area, potentially influenced by local economic factors and the specific needs of the community's emergency services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,870.
- Outlook: The Kennewick-Richland, WA, firefighter job market appears stable, with a local workforce of 270 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates a concentration of firefighters that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply dynamic within the region. With 2.114 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of firefighters is a consistent part of the local employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA earns+73.6%above the national average.
$36.2
$1,448
$6,277
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Kennewick-Richland, WA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by factors such as increased cost of living, evolving training requirements, and the ongoing need for essential public safety services.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Kennewick-Richland, WA
Salary progression for firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The variance between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,390 | $17.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $56,490 | $27.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $79,210 | $38.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $94,150 | $45.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $92,870 | $44.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $75,320 in Kennewick-Richland, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the compensation is well-balanced with the general expenses of living in the area.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
2.114
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Kennewick-Richland, WA 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.98, the Kennewick-Richland, WA, market for firefighters is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand is consistent with national trends, indicating that opportunities are available without being overly saturated or scarce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla, WA Firefighters Salary | $71,550↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Yakima, WA Firefighters Salary | $52,830↓ 30% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kennewick-Richland, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA is $75,320. This typically ranges from $36,390 for entry-level positions to $92,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 73.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Kennewick-Richland, WA offers lucrative opportunities for firefighters.The average salary of $75,320 is substantially higher than the national average, and it is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Kennewick-Richland, WA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Kennewick-Richland, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kennewick-Richland, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Walla Walla, WA ($71,550) and Yakima, WA.
How does the Kennewick-Richland firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA, earn an average of $75,320 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.98, indicating that the number of firefighters per worker is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. Therefore, the $75,320 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of firefighters in Kennewick-Richland, WA?
There are approximately 270 firefighters employed in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Kennewick-Richland, WA area with a job density of 2.114 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 Kennewick-Richland, WA