Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in North Carolina, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in North Carolina, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | NC |
|---|---|
| Workers | 19,410 |
| 10th percentile | $29,360 |
| Median | $37,940 |
| 90th percentile | $61,940 |
| National median, government employers | $60,050 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pension in North Carolina
State employees: the general plan
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS) TSERS (single tier) | 1.82% | Age 65 with 5 years of membership service | 6% | Covered |
Local employees: the general plan
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) LGERS (single tier) | 1.85% | Age 65 with 5 years of creditable service | 6% | Not stated |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins; where a general plan is shown, some police and fire employers run their own safety plans. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the North Carolina pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in North Carolina
408 fire departments in North Carolina, largest Charlotte Fire Department, Raleigh Fire Department, Greensboro Fire Department.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for North Carolina
National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - EMT CertificationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter II Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness-Level Responder CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NTN FireTEAM Firefighter Entry-Level ExamPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Firefighter page.
Firefighter in other states
More government jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina government jobs · North Carolina public pension plans · police officer standards in North Carolina · exam practice in North Carolina