Firefighter Salary in North Carolina

How Much Does a Firefighter Make in North Carolina?

The typical Firefighter salary in North Carolina ranges from $37,800 to $70,200, with the national median at $54,000.

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations Your actual take-home pay as a Firefighter in North Carolina depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• North Carolina state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Firefighter in North Carolina

As a Firefighter working in North Carolina, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Firefighter professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

North Carolina State Income Tax

North Carolina has a state income tax that applies to all Firefighter salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on North Carolina's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our North Carolina salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Firefighter salary.

Cost of Living for Firefighter in North Carolina

Your Firefighter salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of North Carolina. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $54,000 Firefighter salary in a low-cost area of North Carolina provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Firefighter Salary Examples in North Carolina

Here's what different Firefighter salary levels look like in North Carolina:

Entry-Level Firefighter ($37,800)

• Gross annual salary: $37,800
• Federal tax: ~$4,536
• FICA: ~$2,892
• North Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $26,460

Median Firefighter ($54,000)

• Gross annual salary: $54,000
• Federal tax: ~$8,640
• FICA: ~$4,131
• North Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $36,180

Experienced Firefighter ($70,200)

• Gross annual salary: $70,200
• Federal tax: ~$15,444
• FICA: ~$5,370
• North Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $42,120

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our North Carolina salary calculator.

Compare Firefighter Salaries Across States

The same Firefighter salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $54,000 Firefighter salary in California results in about $2,700 to $5,400 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in North Carolina?

The average Firefighter salary in North Carolina varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $54,000, with typical North Carolina salaries ranging from $37,800 to $70,200.

How much does a Firefighter make after taxes in North Carolina?

After federal taxes, FICA, North Carolina state tax, and typical deductions, a Firefighter earning $54,000 in North Carolina takes home approximately $35,100 to $37,800 per year.

Is North Carolina a good state for Firefighter professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider North Carolina's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Firefighter take-home pay in North Carolina?

Use our North Carolina salary calculator →

Or compare Firefighter salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.