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Average Firefighters Salary in Kentucky

Firefighters in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $40,960, which is slightly below the national average of $43,380. This localized compensation is influenced by a variety of factors, including the specific economic conditions, demand for services, and the overall cost of living within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,960 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,860.
  • Outlook: Kentucky's firefighter job market appears robust, with a total local workforce of 5,320 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.24 indicates a higher concentration of firefighters in Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for these essential services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,960

The average Firefighters in Kentucky earns-5.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.7

Weekly

$788

Monthly

$3,413

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Kentucky

Salary progression for firefighters in Kentucky, as elsewhere, is significantly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower wage, while senior firefighters with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership roles command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior positions reflects the career advancement opportunities and increased responsibilities within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$26,680$12.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$30,720$14.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,140$17.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$51,200$24.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$58,860$28.3

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,960

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,612

Adjusted for COL (89.8)

The average firefighter salary of $40,960 in Kentucky is notably advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Kentucky is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a potentially comfortable lifestyle.

Job Market Context

5,320

Total Jobs

2.67

Per 1K Jobs

1.24

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.24, Kentucky has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.24, Kentucky demonstrates a concentration of firefighter jobs that is 24% higher than the national average. This suggests that the job market for firefighters in the state is relatively strong and potentially more competitive for new entrants, while also indicating a stable demand for experienced professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Lexington-Fayette, KY Firefighters Salary$42,180↑ 3%28 mi
Elizabethtown, KY Firefighters Salary$40,380↓ 1%66 mi
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Firefighters Salary$46,700↑ 14%72 mi
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Firefighters Salary$56,190↑ 37%100 mi

Comparing salaries near Kentucky

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Kentucky is $40,960. This typically ranges from $26,680 for entry-level positions to $58,860 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 5.6% lower than the national median of $43,380.

Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, considering the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Kentucky's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of firefighter earnings. The strong concentration of jobs also indicates a healthy market.

Is Kentucky a good place to live for Firefighters?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($42,180) and Elizabethtown, KY.

How does Kentucky's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Kentucky is $40,960, which is approximately $2,420 less than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a Location Quotient of 1.24 for firefighters, meaning there is a 24% higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

How many firefighters are employed in Kentucky?

There are approximately 5,320 firefighters employed in Kentucky.

Is the cost of living in Kentucky lower than the national average?

Yes, Kentucky's Cost of Living Index is 89.8, which is below the national average of 100, indicating a more affordable living environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,320 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 2.67 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky