Firefighter Salary in South Carolina
Firefighter pay in South Carolina, explained
Firefighters in South Carolina earn a median of $42,570 per year ($20.47 per hour), which is 28% below the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $29,130, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $62,150. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within South Carolina.
Is $42,570 good pay in South Carolina?
Adjusted for South Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $42,570 is worth about $45,408 in national buying power — ranking South Carolina #43 for real pay (vs #42 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in South Carolina
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs SC |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (here) | $42,570 | $45,408 | — |
| Georgia | $46,550 | $48,342 | −$3,980 |
| North Carolina | $37,940 | $40,222 | +$4,630 |
Firefighter in South Carolina: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in South Carolina?
Firefighters in South Carolina earn a median of $42,570 per year ($20.47 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does South Carolina pay firefighters well?
At $42,570, South Carolina pays 28% below the national median for firefighters. An estimated 7,780 work in the state.