salary$45,640 a year$22 an hour · median pay in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$31,000per year
Top pay (top 10%)$72,100per year
Jobs in the area2,510people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Raleigh?
Expensive. Rent of $1,822 a month takes 47.9% 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 Raleigh
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Raleigh, NC?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area is $45,640 a year ($22 an hour). Most earn between $31,000 and $72,100.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Raleigh?
Typical rent of $1,822 a month takes 47.9% 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area.