Average Firefighters Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $32,450. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,380, reflecting regional economic factors and a different demand structure compared to more urbanized areas. The lower average salary is often a consequence of the specific economic landscape and the cost of living within nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,740.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 firefighters, the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area presents a modest employment base for this profession. The location quotient of 0.63 indicates that the concentration of firefighters is lower than the national average, suggesting that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector in the local economy. This suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for firefighters in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-25.2%below the national average.
$15.6
$624
$2,704
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in South Central Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and an increasing awareness of public safety needs typically drive modest salary increases for essential services like firefighting, even in less populated regions.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior firefighters, with years of service, specialized training, and leadership responsibilities, can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $23,030 | $11.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $24,338 | $11.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $26,290 | $12.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $40,563 | $19.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $58,740 | $28.2 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,450 in South Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced quality of life in terms of day-to-day expenses.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.362
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.63x 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 0.63 for firefighters in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for dedicated individuals. However, it also implies that the demand might be more localized and less robust than in areas with a higher concentration of firefighters.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Firefighters Salary | $42,180↑ 30% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Firefighters Salary | $40,380↑ 24% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Firefighters Salary | $46,700↑ 44% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Firefighters Salary | $56,190↑ 73% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $32,450. This typically ranges from $23,030 for entry-level positions to $58,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 25.2% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for firefighters.The average salary of $32,450 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, the earning potential is below par compared to national benchmarks.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($42,180) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the firefighter salary in South Central Kentucky compare to the national average?
Firefighters in South Central Kentucky earn an average of $32,450 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $43,380.
What is the cost of living like for firefighters in this region?
The cost of living in South Central Kentucky is at the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national standard.
Is there high demand for firefighters in South Central Kentucky?
With a location quotient of 0.63, the concentration of firefighters is below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for the profession in this nonmetropolitan area.
How many firefighters are there in South Central Kentucky?
The total local workforce for firefighters in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area consists of approximately 230 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.362 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area