Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Kentucky | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $37,150 | $62,011 | -40% |
| Median hourly wage | $17.86 | $29.81 | -40% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $41,186.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Firefighter in Kentucky is $37,150, or about $17.86 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Firefighters is $62,011. Kentucky is -40% below the national median.
Entry-level firefighters in Kentucky typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 5,150 firefighter jobs on record and a median salary of $37,150, Kentucky offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.