SalaryNode

Average Firefighters Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC

Firefighters in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area earn an average annual salary of $46,310, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for essential services within this dynamic metropolitan region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,310 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,140.
  • Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary area supports a robust workforce of 2,240 Firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 1.44 indicating a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for firefighting services in the region, underpinning the stability and opportunities within the local job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,310

The average Firefighters in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns+6.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.3

Weekly

$891

Monthly

$3,859

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC

Career progression for Firefighters in Raleigh-Cary typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify these opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$28,150$13.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$34,733$16.7
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$46,050$22.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$57,888$27.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$65,140$31.3

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,310

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,310

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $46,310 in Raleigh-Cary aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

2,240

Total Jobs

3.094

Per 1K Jobs

1.44

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.44, Raleigh-Cary, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.44, Raleigh-Cary demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Firefighters than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand for skilled professionals is strong, potentially leading to more specialized roles and opportunities for career growth within the firefighting sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $46,310. This typically ranges from $28,150 for entry-level positions to $65,140 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 6.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Raleigh-Cary, NC offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Firefighters compared to the national average.The average salary is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power for local Firefighters.

Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($42,350) and Rocky Mount, NC.

How does the number of Firefighters in Raleigh-Cary compare to the national average?

Raleigh-Cary has a total local workforce of 2,240 Firefighters, and with a Location Quotient of 1.44, it indicates a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Firefighters in Raleigh-Cary?

A Location Quotient of 1.44 means that Firefighters are 44% more concentrated in Raleigh-Cary than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for their services.

Does the cost of living affect the real value of a Firefighter's salary in Raleigh-Cary?

No, the cost of living in Raleigh-Cary is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $46,310 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Are there many job opportunities for Firefighters in Raleigh-Cary?

The data suggests a healthy job market, with a higher concentration of Firefighters (LQ 1.44) and a substantial local workforce (2,240), indicating consistent demand and opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,240 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 3.094 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.