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Average Firefighters Salary in Winston-Salem, NC

Firefighters in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $37,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,380. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and cost of labor within the region, often dictate these pay scales, leading to variations from the national benchmark.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,520.
  • Outlook: Winston-Salem supports a local workforce of 1,050 firefighters, with 3.857 jobs per 1,000 workers. The location quotient of 1.79 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for firefighting professionals in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,160

The average Firefighters in Winston-Salem, NC earns-14.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.9

Weekly

$715

Monthly

$3,097

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC

Salary progression for firefighters in Winston-Salem typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between lower and higher salary percentiles reflects the career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$28,300$13.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$27,870$13.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$35,430$17
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$46,450$22.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$47,520$22.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,160

Adjusted for COL (100)

With a local Cost of Living Index at 100, which is precisely the national average, the nominal salary of $37,160 for firefighters in Winston-Salem offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is not higher, providing a stable financial baseline for residents.

Job Market Context

1,050

Total Jobs

3.857

Per 1K Jobs

1.79

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Winston-Salem, NC 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 1.79 for firefighters in Winston-Salem signifies that the profession is nearly twice as concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local presence and potentially higher demand relative to other occupations, indicating a competitive but also potentially abundant job market for those seeking firefighting roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Greensboro-High Point, NC Firefighters Salary$50,150↑ 35%23 mi
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$43,560↑ 17%41 mi
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$33,060↓ 11%41 mi
Central North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$37,720↑ 2%41 mi
Burlington, NC Firefighters Salary$40,220↑ 8%43 mi

Comparing salaries near Winston-Salem, NC

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Winston-Salem, NC is $37,160. This typically ranges from $28,300 for entry-level positions to $47,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 14.3% lower than the national median of $43,380.

Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Firefighters?

No, not when compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the firefighter salary of $37,160 is below the national average of $43,380. The strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.79) suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.

Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($50,150) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does Winston-Salem's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Winston-Salem earn an average of $37,160 annually, which is less than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a location quotient of 1.79 for firefighters, meaning the profession is 1.79 times more concentrated there than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Winston-Salem affect firefighter salaries?

The cost of living in Winston-Salem is at the national average (100), so the $37,160 salary has average purchasing power locally.

What is the total number of firefighters in Winston-Salem?

There are approximately 1,050 firefighters employed in the Winston-Salem area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 3.857 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 Winston-Salem, NC