Firefighter Salary in North Carolina
Firefighters in North Carolina earn an average of $57,817 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +1.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$57,817
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.80
per hour
vs National
+1.2%
$57,120 national
Salary Range
$37,816
to $81,031
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$57,817
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$60,226
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Firefighter's salary of $57,817 has the purchasing power of $60,226 in an average-cost area.
Firefighter Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $58,681 | $28.21/hr | $38,757 | $81,832 | 280 |
| Charlotte, NC | $56,953 | $27.38/hr | $36,874 | $80,230 | 283 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Firefighter Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 563 Firefighters employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Firefighter Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$37,816
Starting salary for new Firefighters
Median (50th Percentile)
$57,817
Mid-career Firefighter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$81,031
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Firefighter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Firefighter salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in North Carolina?
The average Firefighter salary in North Carolina is $57,817 per year ($27.80/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 1.2% above the national average of $57,120.
What is the highest paying city for Firefighters in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Firefighters in North Carolina, with a median salary of $58,681 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $56,953.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in North Carolina?
Firefighter salaries in North Carolina range from $37,816 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $81,031 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $57,817 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within North Carolina. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.