salary$46,830 a year$23 an hour · median pay in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$30,800per year
Top pay (top 10%)$64,120per year
Jobs in the area1,470people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Charleston?
Expensive. Rent of $2,117 a month takes 54.2% of the median firefighter salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Firefighter pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Charleston, SC?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area is $46,830 a year ($23 an hour). Most earn between $30,800 and $64,120.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Charleston?
Typical rent of $2,117 a month takes 54.2% of the median firefighter salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area.