Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| North Carolina | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $37,940 | $62,011 | -39% |
| Median hourly wage | $18.24 | $29.81 | -39% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $40,233.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Firefighter in North Carolina is $37,940, or about $18.24 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Firefighters is $62,011. North Carolina is -39% below the national median.
Entry-level firefighters in North Carolina typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 19,410 firefighter jobs on record and a median salary of $37,940, North Carolina offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.