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Firefighter Salary in Louisville, KY

How much does a firefighter make in Louisville? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Louisville's cost of living.

Median Salary
$46,200
per year in Louisville
Entry Level
$27,879
Starting salary
Senior Level
$65,318
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
95
5% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Louisville.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$27,879$46,200$65,318
Monthly$2,323$3,850$5,443
Biweekly$1,072$1,777$2,512
Weekly$536$888$1,256
Hourly$13$22$31

Louisville vs National Average

How Louisville's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Louisville Salary
$46,200
COL Index: 95
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,160
Lower in Louisville

Cost of Living in Louisville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,250
per month
Median Income
$53,456
per year
Population
633,045
residents
Rent % of Income
28.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 95 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Louisville have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+128%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+115%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+91%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+29%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+33%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Louisville.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Louisville.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Louisville, KY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Louisville, KY is $46,200 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Louisville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Louisville can expect to earn around $27,879 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $65,318 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Louisville's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Louisville are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Louisville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,250 per month, housing represents about 32.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Louisville, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.