Average Firefighters Salary in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Firefighters in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area earn an average annual salary of $38,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local economic factors and potentially a lower demand for the role in this specific region influence compensation levels. The unique economic landscape of Kingsport-Bristol shapes the earning potential for its dedicated public safety professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,510.
- Outlook: The Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area supports a local workforce of 220 firefighters, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 1.898. The location quotient of 0.88 indicates a slightly lower concentration of firefighter roles compared to the national average. While the workforce size is moderate, the concentration suggests that the demand for firefighters in this specific metropolitan area is stable but not exceptionally high, reflecting a balanced job market.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA earns-10.4%below the national average.
$18.7
$747
$3,238
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kingsport-Bristol firefighters isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, increased cost of living, and evolving demands on emergency services typically drive modest annual increases in firefighter compensation across most regions.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
Salary progression for firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA, like elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career ladder, with senior firefighters earning substantially more than their junior counterparts.
| 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) | $29,138 | $14 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,540 | $17.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $48,563 | $23.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $48,510 | $23.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is at the national average for affordability. This means the average firefighter salary of $38,850 holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, making the take-home pay relatively stable compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.898
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA has 0.88x 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.
The location quotient of 0.88 for firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA suggests that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while firefighting is a present and necessary profession, it may not be a dominant employment sector within the region. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a steady, albeit not booming, employment landscape for these essential workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson City, TN Firefighters Salary | $41,160↑ 6% | 16 mi |
| Morristown, TN Firefighters Salary | $38,930↑ 0% | 47 mi |
| Asheville, NC Firefighters Salary | $39,490↑ 2% | 66 mi |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Firefighters Salary | $38,180↓ 2% | 87 mi |
| Knoxville, TN Firefighters Salary | $50,500↑ 30% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is $38,850. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $48,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 10.4% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average firefighter salary in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is $38,850, which is below the national average of $43,380. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is comparable.
Is Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnson City, TN ($41,160) and Morristown, TN.
How does the Kingsport-Bristol firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is $38,850, which is approximately 10.4% lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?
The location quotient for firefighters in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is 0.88, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA?
The cost of living in Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA is exactly at the national average (100). This means the lower-than-average salary of $38,850 has a purchasing power that aligns with the national average, without being significantly diminished by high living expenses.
What is the total number of firefighters in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area?
There are approximately 220 firefighters employed within the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA area with a job density of 1.898 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 Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA