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Firefighters Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Firefighters make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,940
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.9% vs 2024
$43,060
Mean Salary
$37,940
Median Salary
$18.24
Hourly Rate
19,410 people work as Firefighters in North Carolina

Firefighters salary by percentile in North Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Firefighters salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Firefighters in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $29,360$29,36025th25% earn less than $34,010$34,010MedianHalf earn more than $37,940$37,94075th75% earn less than $47,690$47,69090thTop 10% earn more than $61,940$61,940

Firefighters in North Carolina earn a median salary of $37,940 per year ($3,161/month). This is 34.1% below the national average of $57,551. North Carolina ranks #46 out of 50 states for Firefighters pay. Approximately 19,410 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 1.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Firefighters

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
3.88
Coordination
3.62
Service Orientation
3.62
Judgment and Decision Making
3.62
Active Listening
3.5

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.53
Customer and Personal Service
4.19
Education and Training
4.13
Building and Construction
4.03
English Language
3.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (35.9% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Firefighters in North Carolina

Salaries for Firefighters in North Carolina range from $29,360 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $61,940 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,010 and $47,690.

Median $37,940
P10: $29,360 P25: $34,010 P75: $47,690 P90: $61,940
10th
$29,360
25th
$34,010
Median
$37,940
75th
$47,690
90th
$61,940
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $29,360 $14.12 $2,446
25th Percentile $34,010 $16.35 $2,834
Median (50th) $37,940 $18.24 $3,161
75th Percentile $47,690 $22.93 $3,974
90th Percentile (Experienced) $61,940 $29.78 $5,161

Note: The mean (average) salary of $43,060 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#46
North Carolina ranks #46 of 50 states
$57,551
National avg. for Firefighters
-34.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in North Carolina:

What does this salary really buy? See Firefighters salary in North Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Firefighters take-home pay in North Carolina after taxes →

Explore Firefighters Data in North Carolina

Firefighters Salary by State

Compare Firefighters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Firefighters make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in North Carolina is $37,940 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $43,060.
What is the salary range for a Firefighters in North Carolina?
Salaries for Firefighters in North Carolina range from $29,360 at the 10th percentile to $61,940 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,010 and $47,690.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in North Carolina?
Entry-level Firefighters positions in North Carolina typically start around $29,360 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,010 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Firefighters in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 19,410 people are employed as Firefighters in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Firefighters in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Firefighters in North Carolina is approximately $18.24 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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