Average Firefighters Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Firefighters in Lexington-Fayette, KY, earn an average annual salary of $42,180. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. While the pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the local market dynamics is key.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,860.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 930 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.52, Lexington-Fayette demonstrates a notable concentration of this profession compared to the national average. This indicates a robust demand for firefighting services and a stable job market for these essential workers within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-2.8%below the national average.
$20.3
$811
$3,515
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lexington-Fayette is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased responsibilities, and ongoing demand for public safety professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior firefighters with extensive training and specialized skills can expect to earn substantially more. The percentile gaps in salary reflect this career progression and the value placed on experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $30,530 | $14.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $31,635 | $15.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $52,725 | $25.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $58,860 | $28.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $42,180 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Lexington-Fayette is comparable to that of a firefighter in a typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
930
Total Jobs
3.286
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 1.5x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.52 for firefighters in Lexington-Fayette, KY, signifies that the concentration of this profession is 52% higher than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a potentially competitive job market, where experienced and qualified individuals may find ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $34,930↓ 17% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $32,450↓ 23% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $37,820↓ 10% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $28,760↓ 32% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Firefighters Salary | $46,700↑ 11% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $42,180. This typically ranges from $30,530 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY is 2.8% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Firefighters in Lexington-Fayette earn $42,180 annually, which is on par with the national average, while the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates a stable and fair compensation environment for the role.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($34,930) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the firefighter salary in Lexington-Fayette compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $42,180, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for firefighters in Lexington-Fayette?
A Location Quotient of 1.52 means that the concentration of firefighter jobs in Lexington-Fayette is 52% higher than the national average, indicating a stronger local demand for the profession.
How does the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette affect a firefighter's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lexington-Fayette's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $42,180 salary has typical purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
What does the total local workforce number imply for firefighter jobs in Lexington-Fayette?
A total local workforce of 930 firefighters suggests a substantial and established presence of the profession within Lexington-Fayette, contributing to the demand indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 3.286 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 Lexington-Fayette, KY