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Firefighters Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Firefighters make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,150
Median Annual Salary
▬ +0.0% vs 2024
$42,100
Mean Salary
$37,150
Median Salary
$17.86
Hourly Rate
5,150 people work as Firefighters in Kentucky

Firefighters salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Firefighters salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Firefighters in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $27,870$27,87025th25% earn less than $33,390$33,390MedianHalf earn more than $37,150$37,15075th75% earn less than $48,120$48,12090thTop 10% earn more than $60,720$60,720

Firefighters in Kentucky earn a median salary of $37,150 per year ($3,095/month). This is 35.4% below the national average of $57,551. Kentucky ranks #48 out of 50 states for Firefighters pay. Approximately 5,150 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries remained stable by 0.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Firefighters

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
3.88
Coordination
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Judgment and Decision Making
3.62
Active Listening
3.5

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.53
Customer and Personal Service
4.19
Education and Training
4.13
Building and Construction
4.03
English Language
3.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (35.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Firefighters in Kentucky

Salaries for Firefighters in Kentucky range from $27,870 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $60,720 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $33,390 and $48,120.

Median $37,150
P10: $27,870 P25: $33,390 P75: $48,120 P90: $60,720
10th
$27,870
25th
$33,390
Median
$37,150
75th
$48,120
90th
$60,720
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $27,870 $13.40 $2,322
25th Percentile $33,390 $16.05 $2,782
Median (50th) $37,150 $17.86 $3,095
75th Percentile $48,120 $23.13 $4,010
90th Percentile (Experienced) $60,720 $29.19 $5,060

Note: The mean (average) salary of $42,100 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#48
Kentucky ranks #48 of 50 states
$57,551
National avg. for Firefighters
-35.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Kentucky:

What does this salary really buy? See Firefighters salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Firefighters take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Firefighters Data in Kentucky

Firefighters Salary by State

Compare Firefighters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Firefighters make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Kentucky is $37,150 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $42,100.
What is the salary range for a Firefighters in Kentucky?
Salaries for Firefighters in Kentucky range from $27,870 at the 10th percentile to $60,720 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $33,390 and $48,120.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in Kentucky?
Entry-level Firefighters positions in Kentucky typically start around $27,870 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $33,390 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Firefighters in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 5,150 people are employed as Firefighters in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Firefighters in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Firefighters in Kentucky is approximately $17.86 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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