Firefighters Jobs Pay in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Average Hourly Pay

$21.38
33.2%Below national average

Range: $20.36 - $22.40

Average Annual Pay

$44,466
33.2%Below national average

Range: $42,349 - $46,584

Entry-level
$37,796/per year
Top 10%
$46,584+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$21.38
33.2%Below national average

Range: $20.36 - $22.40

How much does a Firefighter make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

The average annual salary for a firefighter in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $44,466 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $21.38 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $855 per week or $3,706 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$38k
75th
$44k
Top 10%
$47k

Firefighters salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $46,584, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $42,349 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC — about $6,670 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for firefighters to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for firefighters around Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

While the average salary for a firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $44,466 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 5 cities report average firefighters salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is Greensboro-High Point, followed by Raleigh-Cary and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, which also rank among the top-paying locations for firefighters in the state.

Greensboro-High Point stands out with firefighters earning around $8,190 more than the statewide average, or about 18% higher.

In Raleigh-Cary and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, average salaries are about $4,096 higher than the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC average, representing roughly a 9% increase.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, firefighters may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Firefighters pay in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC by experience level

Salaries for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$18.17/hrRange: $20.36 – $18.17
Annual Rate$37,796Range: $42,349 $37,796

Entry-level firefighters (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $42,349 – $37,796 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$21.38/hrRange: $18.17 – $24.59
Annual Rate$44,466Range: $37,796 $51,136

Mid-level firefighters (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $37,796 – $51,136 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$24.59/hrRange: $24.59 – $22.40
Annual Rate$51,136Range: $51,136 $46,584

Experienced firefighters (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $51,136 – $46,584 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Several factors can influence how much firefighters earn in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, even when the average salary is around $44,466 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $37,796, while experienced professionals can make $51,136+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

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FAQs about Firefighter in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Do firefighters make good money in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Whether or not you think firefighters pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is about $44,466 per year, or roughly $21.38 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $37,796 annually, while experienced workers can earn $51,136 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can firefighters make $50,000 a year in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $44,466, top-earning firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC can make about $46,584 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $45,000 a good salary for a firefighter in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

A salary of $45,000 is close to the average for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC. Most professionals in this role earn between $37,796 and $51,136 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting firefighter make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Entry-level firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC typically earn around $18.17/hr, which equals roughly $37,796 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified firefighter make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Licensed or certified firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earn about $44,466 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $37,796 and $51,136 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $46,584 or more.

What is the hourly pay for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

The average hourly pay for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is about $21.38 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $18.17, while experienced professionals can earn $24.59+ per hour.

What is the salary range for firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?

Most firefighters in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earn between $37,796 and $51,136 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $46,584 annually.

How fast does pay increase for firefighters?

Pay for firefighters typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $37,796 early in their careers to $51,136+ after several years of experience.
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