South Carolina ranks 41st of 50 states and D.C. for firefighters pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($93,490) by $47,530 — a 103% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,220 to $64,010 — a $34,790 spread, 48% tighter than the national $66,840 range.
Firefighters are more concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.55 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.55× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,220 | $14.05 |
| 25th percentile | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,960 | $22.10 |
| 75th percentile | $51,430 | $24.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,010 | $30.77 |
| Mean (average) | $45,730 | $21.99 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $45,960 | n/a |
| Washington | $93,490 | +103% |
| New York | $88,380 | +92% |
| New Jersey | $87,660 | +91% |
| California | $83,400 | +81% |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 | +73% |
| Illinois | $79,080 | +72% |
| Connecticut | $77,660 | +69% |
| Colorado | $76,560 | +67% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $45,950 | 13,950 |
| Dental Assistants | $45,930 | 5,380 |
| Roofers | $45,860 | 1,060 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $46,080 | 1,460 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $46,300 | 21,850 |
| Community Health Workers | $45,580 | 550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighters salary in South Carolina?
The mean firefighters salary in South Carolina is $45,730 per year. The median (middle) salary is $45,960 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in South Carolina?
Entry-level firefighterss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $29,220 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,480 per year.
What is the highest Firefighters salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $64,010 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $51,430 per year.
How does the South Carolina Firefighters salary compare to the national average?
The median firefighters salary in South Carolina is $45,960, which is -23% below national average of $59,530.