Firefighters Salary in North Carolina (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 33-2011As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Overview
The median wage for firefighters in North Carolina is $37,940 per year (gross, before tax) — 36.0% below the US national median of $59,280 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 19,000 people work in this occupation in North Carolina. Negotiating an offer in North Carolina? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
North Carolina Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,360 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $34,010 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $37,940 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $47,690 | Experienced |
| 90th | $61,940 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $100,960 | +70.3% |
| Washington | $94,520 | +59.4% |
| California | $85,120 | +43.6% |
| New Jersey | $84,130 | +41.9% |
| Illinois | $78,380 | +32.2% |
| Connecticut | $77,630 | +31.0% |
| District of Columbia | $75,870 | +28.0% |
| Colorado | $74,170 | +25.1% |
| Maryland | $73,810 | +24.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $73,460 | +23.9% |
| North Carolina | $37,940 | -36.0% |
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in North Carolina? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in North Carolina · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighters in North Carolina?
The median salary in North Carolina is $37,940 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $43,060.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the US national average?
North Carolina is 36.0% below the US national median of $59,280 for this occupation.
Which US state pays firefighters the most?
New York has the highest median pay for this occupation at $100,960 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25