salary$36,960 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Columbia, SC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$29,460per year
Top pay (top 10%)$49,240per year
Jobs in the area1,060people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Columbia?
Expensive. Rent of $1,394 a month takes 45.3% 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
Other jobs in Columbia
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Columbia, SC?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Columbia, SC area is $36,960 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $29,460 and $49,240.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Columbia?
Typical rent of $1,394 a month takes 45.3% 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 Columbia, SC metro area.