Firefighter Salary in North Carolina
Firefighter pay in North Carolina, explained
Firefighters in North Carolina earn a median of $37,940 per year ($18.24 per hour), which is 36% below the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $29,360, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $61,940. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $37,940 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $37,940 is worth about $40,222 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #48 for real pay (vs #46 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in North Carolina
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $37,940 | $40,222 | — |
| Virginia | $58,670 | $58,029 | −$20,730 |
| Tennessee | $49,300 | $53,663 | −$11,360 |
| Georgia | $46,550 | $48,342 | −$8,610 |
| South Carolina | $42,570 | $45,408 | −$4,630 |
Firefighter in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in North Carolina?
Firefighters in North Carolina earn a median of $37,940 per year ($18.24 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay firefighters well?
At $37,940, North Carolina pays 36% below the national median for firefighters. An estimated 19,410 work in the state.