Firefighter Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $44,445 (2026)

Firefighter Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $3,101 below the North Carolina state average of $47,546. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Winston-Salem spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,720

$-7,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$25,456	$27,232	$29,600
25th Percentile	$33,196	$35,512	$38,600
Median (50th)	$44,445	$47,546	$51,680
75th Percentile	$61,232	$65,504	$71,200
90th Percentile	$79,808	$85,376	$92,800

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$25,456

25th Percentile

$33,196

Median (50th)

$44,445

75th Percentile

$61,232

90th Percentile

$79,808

How to Become a Firefighter in Winston-Salem

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Firefighter make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median firefighter salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).

How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Winston-Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for firefighter pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $47,546. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $44,445 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most firefighter positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Firefighter Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina