Average Firefighters Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,060. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $43,380, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic for this critical role. The specific economic landscape and cost structures within this nonmetropolitan region play a significant role in shaping compensation levels for its workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 970 individuals, the firefighter sector in Western North Carolina represents a substantial segment of the community's essential services. The Location Quotient of 1.75 indicates a significantly higher concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized job market that favors those with relevant skills and experience in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-23.8%below the national average.
$15.9
$636
$2,755
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Western North Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages for essential service professionals. This growth is often driven by factors such as inflation, evolving safety standards, and increased demand for emergency services.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for firefighters in Western North Carolina typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or leadership roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $26,170 | $12.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $24,795 | $11.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $32,380 | $15.6 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $41,325 | $19.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $43,230 | $20.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average firefighter salary of $33,060 in Western North Carolina 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 that income is comparable to the national standard, making the region's financial landscape relatively stable for residents.
Job Market Context
970
Total Jobs
3.779
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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 1.75 for firefighters in Western North Carolina is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This suggests that the region has a disproportionately high number of firefighters relative to the national average, implying a potentially competitive environment for new entrants but also a stable and established presence for experienced professionals within the local emergency services infrastructure.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Firefighters Salary | $50,150↑ 52% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Firefighters Salary | $36,250↑ 10% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Firefighters Salary | $40,220↑ 22% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Firefighters Salary | $37,160↑ 12% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Firefighters Salary | $42,350↑ 28% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $33,060. This typically ranges from $26,170 for entry-level positions to $43,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 23.8% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Firefighters.The average salary of $33,060 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. The high concentration suggests local demand but does not translate to higher pay.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,150) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the firefighter salary in Western North Carolina compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Western North Carolina is $33,060, which is considerably lower than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Western North Carolina?
The Location Quotient for firefighters in this region is 1.75, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is 75% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Western North Carolina?
The cost of living in Western North Carolina is at the national average (100), meaning the $33,060 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median, despite being a lower nominal figure.
What is the total number of firefighters in Western North Carolina?
There are approximately 970 firefighters employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.779 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area