Average Firefighters Salary in Wilmington, NC
Firefighters in Wilmington, NC earn an average annual salary of $39,280, which is below the national average of $43,380. This localized pay rate is influenced by a variety of factors specific to the Wilmington market, including local demand, cost of living, and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,070.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC supports a dedicated workforce of 640 firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 1.59 indicating a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local demand and a stable job market for firefighters in the area, with 3.434 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Wilmington, NC earns-9.5%below the national average.
$18.9
$755
$3,273
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington firefighters is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and inflation typically drive incremental salary increases for essential public service roles like firefighting, ensuring compensation remains competitive within the local market.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
As firefighters gain experience in Wilmington, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior firefighters with extensive training and years of service can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight clear pathways for career progression and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $29,390 | $14.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $37,400 | $18 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $51,070 | $24.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, the Wilmington firefighter's average salary of $39,280 offers a purchasing power that aligns with national benchmarks. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Wilmington is not disproportionately higher, providing a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
3.434
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.6x 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 1.59 for firefighters in Wilmington signifies a notable concentration of this profession relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Wilmington is more specialized in its demand for firefighters than the typical U.S. city, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for new entrants but also indicating a strong presence and established need for these services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Firefighters Salary | $43,010↑ 9% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Firefighters Salary | $52,550↑ 34% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Firefighters Salary | $37,040↓ 6% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Firefighters Salary | $37,610↓ 4% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Firefighters Salary | $35,090↓ 11% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Wilmington, NC is $39,280. This typically ranges from $29,390 for entry-level positions to $51,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 9.5% lower than the national median of $43,380.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Firefighters?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While Wilmington has a higher concentration of firefighters (LQ 1.59), the average salary of $39,280 is below the national average of $43,380, and the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($43,010) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Wilmington, NC is $39,280, which is $4,100 less than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC has a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.59.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington affect firefighter salaries?
Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $39,280 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What is the total number of firefighters in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 640 firefighters employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 3.434 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 Wilmington, NC