Average Firefighters Salary in Roanoke, VA
Firefighters in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $41,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand influence compensation structures. While the nominal pay may differ, the cost of living in Roanoke aligns perfectly with the national benchmark, offering a balanced perspective on earning potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,590.
- Outlook: Roanoke, VA, supports a local workforce of 480 firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 1.46, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for firefighting services, potentially driven by specific regional needs or a well-established emergency response infrastructure. The presence of 3.138 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the notion of a stable and active job market for this essential profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Roanoke, VA earns-3.7%below the national average.
$20.1
$803
$3,482
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Roanoke's firefighter salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving demands on emergency services typically drive incremental salary growth for public safety roles. This suggests that firefighters in Roanoke have likely seen their earning potential increase over time, aligning with broader industry movements.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Salary progression for firefighters in Roanoke, VA, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, certifications, and leadership roles will earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with higher earners representing those who have dedicated years to the profession and achieved senior ranks or specialized units.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $27,980 | $13.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $31,335 | $15.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $38,880 | $18.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $52,225 | $25.1 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $58,590 | $28.2 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $41,780 in Roanoke, VA, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Roanoke firefighter's salary is effectively on par with that of a firefighter in a typical U.S. city. While not offering a significant cost-of-living advantage, the salary provides a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
3.138
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, Roanoke, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.46, Roanoke, VA, demonstrates a notably higher concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that the demand for these services is proportionally greater in Roanoke, or that the city has a well-developed and perhaps more robust fire department infrastructure. This concentration indicates a competitive but potentially stable job market, where experienced professionals may find ample opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Firefighters Salary | $38,500↓ 8% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Firefighters Salary | $42,960↑ 3% | 43 mi |
| Beckley, WV Firefighters Salary | $46,200↑ 11% | 76 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Firefighters Salary | $47,290↑ 13% | 78 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Firefighters Salary | $50,150↑ 20% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Roanoke, VA is $41,780. This typically ranges from $27,980 for entry-level positions to $58,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 3.7% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Moderately lucrative, with stable earning potential.Firefighters in Roanoke earn $41,780 annually, slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average. The higher concentration of firefighters suggests a strong local demand for the role.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($38,500) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Roanoke, VA, is $41,780, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the cost of living in Roanoke, VA for firefighters?
The cost of living in Roanoke, VA, is indexed at 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have comparable purchasing power to the national average.
How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Roanoke, VA?
Roanoke has a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.46, indicating a strong local presence and demand for the profession.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in Roanoke, VA?
There are approximately 480 firefighters employed in the Roanoke, VA area, representing a significant portion of the local workforce dedicated to emergency services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 3.138 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 Roanoke, VA