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Firefighter Salary in Cary, NC

Firefighter salary data for Cary, NC — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Firefighter Salary in Cary, NC — 2026

The median Firefighter salary in Cary, NC is $61,600 per year ($5,133/month, $30/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 110, which is 10% above the national average.

Entry Level
$42K
$20/hr
Median
$62K
$30/hr
Senior
$87K
$42/hr
Top Earner
$114K
$55/hr

Firefighter Take-Home Pay in Cary

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$61,600
Federal Tax-$5,354
State Tax (4.3%)-$2,618
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$4,712
Annual Take-Home$48,916
Monthly Take-Home$4,076

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,700/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio33.1%
Median Home Price$450,000
Cost of Living Index110
City Median Salary$90,000
Firefighter vs City Median$-28,400

Firefighter Requirements

Education
High School Diploma + Fire Academy
Experience
Fire Academy
Job Growth
4.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Fire SuppressionEMTRescue OperationsHazmatEquipment Operation

Cary Job Market Overview

Cary, North Carolina has a population of 174,721 and an unemployment rate of 2.2%. The top industries are Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Cary, NC?
The median Firefighter salary in Cary, NC is $61,600 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $41,800, while senior-level professionals can earn $86,900 or more.
How much does a Firefighter take home in Cary after taxes?
A Firefighter earning the median salary of $61,600 in Cary, NC takes home approximately $48,916 per year ($4,076/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.6%.
Is Cary a good city for Firefighters?
Cary, NC has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.2% and top industries include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance.
What skills are needed for a Firefighter in Cary?
Key skills for Firefighters include Fire Suppression, EMT, Rescue Operations, Hazmat, Equipment Operation. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma + Fire Academy. Valuable certifications include EMT-B, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Operations.
How does Firefighter salary in Cary compare to the national average?
The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In Cary, the adjusted salary is $61,600, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Cary, NC?

The median Firefighter salary in Cary, NC is $61,600 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $41,800, while senior-level professionals can earn $86,900 or more.

How much does a Firefighter take home in Cary after taxes?

A Firefighter earning the median salary of $61,600 in Cary, NC takes home approximately $48,916 per year ($4,076/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.6%.

Is Cary a good city for Firefighters?

Cary, NC has a cost of living index of 110 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.2% and top industries include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance.

What skills are needed for a Firefighter in Cary?

Key skills for Firefighters include Fire Suppression, EMT, Rescue Operations, Hazmat, Equipment Operation. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma + Fire Academy. Valuable certifications include EMT-B, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Operations.

How does Firefighter salary in Cary compare to the national average?

The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In Cary, the adjusted salary is $61,600, which is 10.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.