Firefighter Salary in Covington, KY: $45,478 (2026)

Firefighter Pay in Covington: What to Expect (2026)

Covington offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $516 above the Kentucky state average of $44,962. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Covington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Covington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Covington an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Covington spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Covington by Experience

In Covington, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,160

$-3,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,760

$-6,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$72,160

$-9,840 vs national

Percentile	Covington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$26,048	$25,752	$29,600
25th Percentile	$33,968	$33,582	$38,600
Median (50th)	$45,478	$44,962	$51,680
75th Percentile	$62,656	$61,944	$71,200
90th Percentile	$81,664	$80,736	$92,800

Percentile

Covington

10th Percentile

$26,048

25th Percentile

$33,968

Median (50th)

$45,478

75th Percentile

$62,656

90th Percentile

$81,664

How to Become a Firefighter in Covington

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Covington and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Covington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Covington

How much does a Firefighter make in Covington, KY? ▼

The median firefighter salary in Covington, Kentucky is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).

How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Covington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Covington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Covington compare to the Kentucky state average for firefighter pay? ▼

Covington's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 1.1% above the Kentucky state average of $44,962. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Covington, KY? ▼

Covington has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Covington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Covington? ▼

Most firefighter positions in Covington require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Firefighter Salary in Covington, Kentucky