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Average Firefighters Salary in Knoxville, TN

Firefighters in Knoxville, TN earn an impressive average annual salary of $50,500, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and essential services provided by fire departments within the Knoxville metropolitan area, often influenced by local economic conditions and the cost of specialized training and equipment.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,470.
  • Outlook: Knoxville's firefighter job market demonstrates a healthy concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.08 indicating a slightly higher presence of these professionals compared to the national average. Supported by a local workforce of 980 individuals in this role, the demand appears stable and robust, suggesting consistent opportunities for skilled firefighters within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,500

The average Firefighters in Knoxville, TN earns+16.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.3

Weekly

$971

Monthly

$4,208

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN

The salary trajectory for firefighters in Knoxville, TN, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, rewarding dedication, skill development, and leadership within the fire service.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$32,180$15.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$37,875$18.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$47,510$22.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$63,125$30.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$71,470$34.4

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,500

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $50,500 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, firefighters in Knoxville, TN, can expect their earnings to maintain their purchasing power effectively. This means that the nominal salary translates directly into real economic value, making Knoxville an attractive location for those seeking stable employment without a significant compromise on lifestyle due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

980

Total Jobs

2.336

Per 1K Jobs

1.08

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.08, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.08 for firefighters in Knoxville, TN, suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, positioning Knoxville as a competitive but accessible market for individuals seeking employment in this vital public service role.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Morristown, TN Firefighters Salary$38,930↓ 23%40 mi
Asheville, NC Firefighters Salary$39,490↓ 22%83 mi
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Firefighters Salary$38,850↓ 23%87 mi
Johnson City, TN Firefighters Salary$41,160↓ 18%91 mi

Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Knoxville, TN?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Knoxville, TN is $50,500. This typically ranges from $32,180 for entry-level positions to $71,470 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 16.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Knoxville, TN offers a lucrative environment for Firefighters.Firefighters in Knoxville earn approximately 16% more than the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, their purchasing power is strong.

Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?

Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($38,930) and Asheville, NC.

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

Firefighters in Knoxville, TN, earn an average of $50,500 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Knoxville compared to the rest of the US?

Knoxville has a slightly higher concentration of firefighters, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.08, meaning there are more firefighters per worker than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Knoxville affect a firefighter's salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville is 100, which is the national average. This means a firefighter's salary of $50,500 has the same purchasing power as it would in a typical US city.

What does the total local workforce number for firefighters imply?

With 980 firefighters employed locally, it suggests a substantial and established presence of the profession within Knoxville, indicating a stable job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 980 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 2.336 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 Knoxville, TN