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Average Firefighters Salary in Wichita, KS

Firefighters in Wichita, KS earn an average annual salary of $42,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,380, indicating a minor disparity in compensation. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Wichita metropolitan area likely influence this pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,720.
  • Outlook: Wichita's firefighter job market appears stable, with a total local workforce of 770 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.16 suggests a slightly higher concentration of firefighters in Wichita compared to the national average, implying a steady, if not growing, demand for these essential services within the community.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,700

The average Firefighters in Wichita, KS earns-1.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.5

Weekly

$821

Monthly

$3,558

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS

As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior firefighters with extensive training and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The progression through different pay grades and ranks signifies substantial career advancement and corresponding salary increases.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$34,780$16.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$32,025$15.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$39,770$19.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$53,375$25.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$49,720$23.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,700

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $42,700 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Wichita, KS, effectively aligns with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Wichita is comparable to that of a firefighter in a typical U.S. city, offering a stable financial standing.

Job Market Context

770

Total Jobs

2.51

Per 1K Jobs

1.16

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.16, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.16 indicates that Wichita has a slightly higher concentration of firefighters than the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike, with a consistent need for qualified professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Kansas nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$43,130↑ 1%67 mi
Enid, OK Firefighters Salary$47,420↑ 11%93 mi

Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Wichita, KS?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Wichita, KS is $42,700. This typically ranges from $34,780 for entry-level positions to $49,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 1.6% lower than the national median of $43,380.

Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Firefighters?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $42,700 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the purchasing power is comparable, but not superior, to other areas.

Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($43,130) and Enid, OK.

How does Wichita's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Wichita, KS is $42,700, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Wichita, KS?

Wichita has a Location Quotient of 1.16, indicating a slightly higher concentration of firefighters compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Wichita affect a firefighter's salary?

Wichita's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means a firefighter's salary of $42,700 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many firefighters are employed in Wichita, KS?

There are approximately 770 firefighters employed in the Wichita, KS area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 2.51 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS