Firefighter Salary in North Carolina
Based on 19K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$37,940
$18.24/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-34.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $62K
19K employed in North Carolina
The median Firefighter salary in North Carolina is $37,940 per year, which is approximately $18 per hour. This figure falls significantly below the national average by 34.1%. Currently, there are 19,410 employed firefighters across the state.
Several factors influence the Firefighter salary in North Carolina. These can include years of experience, the specific fire department or municipality an individual works for, and the presence of specialized certifications or training. Geographic location within the state can also play a role in salary differences.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,360 |
| 25th percentile | $34,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,940 |
| 75th percentile | $47,690 |
| 90th percentile | $61,940 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,078 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,940 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,078 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $34,010 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $47,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,940 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Firefighter ($37,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in NC | $59,300 | +56.3% | $28.51/hr |
| Security Guard in NC | $35,010 | -7.7% | $16.83/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in NC | $38,460 | +1.4% | $18.49/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in NC | $35,950 | -5.2% | $17.28/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in NC | $40,240 | +6.1% | $19.35/hr |
| Receptionist in NC | $35,440 | -6.6% | $17.04/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in NC | $35,400 | -6.7% | $17.02/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | +9.9% | $20.05/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in NC | $32,150 | -15.3% | $15.46/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in NC | $31,370 | -17.3% | $15.08/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NC | $44,530 | +17.4% | $21.41/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in NC | $31,240 | -17.7% | $15.02/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in North Carolina?
- The median Firefighter salary in North Carolina is $37,940 annually. This translates to an hourly rate of about $18. This median is considerably lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for firefighters in North Carolina?
- Firefighters in North Carolina can expect to earn between $29,360 and $61,940 per year. The lower end of this range represents entry-level positions, while the higher end reflects more experienced or specialized roles.
How does the salary for North Carolina firefighters compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in North Carolina are 34.1% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, firefighters in North Carolina earn less than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
How many firefighters are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 19,410 firefighters currently employed in North Carolina. This number represents the total workforce in this essential public service across the state.