Firefighter Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median firefighter salary in South Carolina is $45,960 per year, equivalent to $22.10/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. South Carolina employs approximately 7,570 firefighters statewide.
Firefighter salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $11,402. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for firefighters, especially in metro areas.
South Carolina Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Carolina Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $45,960.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — South Carolina
Firefighter Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, South Carolina has seen 13.9% wage growth for firefighters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — South Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $51,000 | $24.52 | +11.0% | 2,649 |
| Charleston | $48,700 | $23.41 | +6.0% | 2,119 |
| North Charleston | $47,350 | $22.76 | +3.0% | 1,362 |
| Mount Pleasant | $44,100 | $21.20 | -4.0% | 681 |
| Greenville | $41,800 | $20.10 | -9.1% | 454 |
| Rock Hill | $40,000 | $19.23 | -13.0% | 302 |
Tip: Columbia offers the highest firefighter salaries in South Carolina at $51,000/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Carolina sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in South Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for firefighters, especially in metro areas.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in South Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in South Carolina typically adds $37,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays firefighters $51,000/yr — +11.0% above the South Carolina average. Simply relocating within South Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in South Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Carolina pays firefighters $37,250/yr — -19.0% vs South Carolina.
Find Firefighter Jobs in South Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in South Carolina:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in South Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in South Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Columbia, SC→