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Firefighter Salary in Durham, NC

Firefighter salary data for Durham, 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 Durham, NC — 2026

The median Firefighter salary in Durham, NC is $57,120 per year ($4,760/month, $27/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 102, which is 2% above the national average.

Entry Level
$39K
$19/hr
Median
$57K
$27/hr
Senior
$81K
$39/hr
Top Earner
$106K
$51/hr

Firefighter Take-Home Pay in Durham

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$57,120
Federal Tax-$4,816
State Tax (4.3%)-$2,428
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$4,370
Annual Take-Home$45,507
Monthly Take-Home$3,792

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,400/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.4%
Median Home Price$350,000
Cost of Living Index102
City Median Salary$70,000
Firefighter vs City Median$-12,880

Firefighter Requirements

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

Key Skills

Fire SuppressionEMTRescue OperationsHazmatEquipment Operation

Durham Job Market Overview

Durham, North Carolina has a population of 283,506 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Healthcare, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.2%, and the average commute time is 23 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Durham, NC?
The median Firefighter salary in Durham, NC is $57,120 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $38,760, while senior-level professionals can earn $80,580 or more.
How much does a Firefighter take home in Durham after taxes?
A Firefighter earning the median salary of $57,120 in Durham, NC takes home approximately $45,507 per year ($3,792/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.3%.
Is Durham a good city for Firefighters?
Durham, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education.
What skills are needed for a Firefighter in Durham?
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 Durham compare to the national average?
The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In Durham, the adjusted salary is $57,120, which is 2.0% 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 Durham, NC?

The median Firefighter salary in Durham, NC is $57,120 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $38,760, while senior-level professionals can earn $80,580 or more.

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

A Firefighter earning the median salary of $57,120 in Durham, NC takes home approximately $45,507 per year ($3,792/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 20.3%.

Is Durham a good city for Firefighters?

Durham, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Healthcare, Education.

What skills are needed for a Firefighter in Durham?

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 Durham compare to the national average?

The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In Durham, the adjusted salary is $57,120, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.