salary$38,350 a year$18 an hour · median pay in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$31,200per year
Top pay (top 10%)$58,000per year
Jobs in the area1,220people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Durham?
Expensive. Rent of $1,797 a month takes 56.2% 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
Other jobs in Durham
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Durham, NC?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area is $38,350 a year ($18 an hour). Most earn between $31,200 and $58,000.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Durham?
Typical rent of $1,797 a month takes 56.2% 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area.