Firefighter Salary in Kentucky

Firefighters in Kentucky earn an average of $50,750 per year across 1 metro area. This is +11.2% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$50,750

per year

Hourly Rate

$24.40

per hour

vs National

-11.2%

$57,120 national

Salary Range

$33,804

to $71,798

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$50,750

Cost of Living Index

92

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$55,163

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living (below average), a Firefighter's salary of $50,750 has the purchasing power of $55,163 in an average-cost area.

Firefighter Salary by City in Kentucky

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Louisville, KY$50,750$24.40/hr$33,804$71,798279

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Kentucky vs National Average

Firefighter Salary Comparison

Kentucky Average$50,750
National Average$57,120
Difference-$6,370 (-11.2%)

Employment in Kentucky

There are approximately 279 Firefighters employed across 1 metro area in Kentucky.

Key Industries: Automotive Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics

State Income Tax: 4% flat rate

Firefighter Salary Range in Kentucky

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$33,804

Starting salary for new Firefighters

Median (50th Percentile)

$50,750

Mid-career Firefighter salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$71,798

Top earners in the field

Firefighter Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Firefighter salaries in Kentucky with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Kentucky?

The average Firefighter salary in Kentucky is $50,750 per year ($24.40/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 11.2% below the national average of $57,120.

What is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Kentucky?

Louisville, KY is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Kentucky, with a median salary of $50,750 per year.

What is the salary range for Firefighters in Kentucky?

Firefighter salaries in Kentucky range from $33,804 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $71,798 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $50,750 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Kentucky. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.