Kentucky ranks 48th of 50 states and D.C. for firefighters pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($93,490) by $56,350 — a 152% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,680 to $58,860 — a $32,180 spread, 52% tighter than the national $66,840 range.
Firefighters are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.24 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.24× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,680 | $12.83 |
| 25th percentile | $31,510 | $15.15 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,140 | $17.85 |
| 75th percentile | $48,280 | $23.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,860 | $28.30 |
| Mean (average) | $40,960 | $19.69 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $37,140 | n/a |
| Washington | $93,490 | +152% |
| New York | $88,380 | +138% |
| New Jersey | $87,660 | +136% |
| California | $83,400 | +125% |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 | +114% |
| Illinois | $79,080 | +113% |
| Connecticut | $77,660 | +109% |
| Colorado | $76,560 | +106% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $37,180 | 1,980 |
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | $37,050 | 1,560 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $36,970 | 1,230 |
| Nursing Assistants | $37,330 | 22,910 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $36,930 | 2,060 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | $36,900 | 2,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighters salary in Kentucky?
The mean firefighters salary in Kentucky is $40,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,140 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in Kentucky?
Entry-level firefighterss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $26,680 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,510 per year.
What is the highest Firefighters salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $58,860 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $48,280 per year.
How does the Kentucky Firefighters salary compare to the national average?
The median firefighters salary in Kentucky is $37,140, which is -38% below national average of $59,530.