Firefighters Salary in Charlotte, NC-SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Median annual salary $37,530 -37% vs national
Median hourly $18.04
10th percentile $29,430
90th percentile $72,220
Employed locally 4,520
National median $59,530

Compare Firefighters salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Charlotte, NC-SC stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Firefighters
in
Charlotte, NC-SC
vs

    In Charlotte, NC-SC, the typical firefighter earns a median annual salary of $37,530, with an hourly wage of $18.04. This figure is notably lower than both the national median for firefighters at $59,530 and the local area median household income of $80,201. The disparity highlights that firefighters in this region earn considerably less than their peers nationally and also fall short when compared to the average earnings of other households within the same locality. Such a difference may impact living standards or necessitate additional financial planning for those relying on this profession as their primary source of income.

    Entry-level firefighters in Charlotte, NC-SC, generally find themselves at the 10th percentile earning approximately $29,430 annually, while experienced counterparts can earn significantly more, reaching up to $72,220 at the 90th percentile. This substantial variance is driven by factors such as years of service, level of responsibility, additional certifications, and specialized training that seasoned firefighters might possess. The difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers underscores the value placed on expertise and long-term commitment within the firefighting profession, rewarding those who advance their skills and take on greater responsibilities with higher compensation.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,430
    25th
    $34,160
    50th (median)
    $37,530
    75th
    $55,190
    90th
    $72,220

    Charlotte economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,201 2023 • Census ACS
    Firefighters salary vs area income 47% Median Firefighters salary is 53% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Firefighters make per hour in Charlotte?

    The median hourly wage for Firefighters in Charlotte, NC-SC is $18.04, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.44 or more per hour.

    Is Charlotte above or below average for Firefighters salaries?

    The median Firefighters salary in Charlotte, NC-SC is 37% below the national median of $59,530. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Firefighters in Charlotte?

    Entry-level Firefighters (10th percentile) earn around $29,430 per year in Charlotte, NC-SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,160.