Public Service Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Firefighter Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median firefighter salary in Columbia, SC is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$46,512
vs State Avg
+$517
vs National
$-5,168
Cost of Living
90%

Firefighter Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median firefighter salary of $46,512, which is $517 above the South Carolina state average of $45,995. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in Columbia spans from $26,640 at the 10th percentile to $83,520 at the 90th percentile — a $56,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $26,640
25th Percentile $34,740
Median (50th) $46,512
75th Percentile $64,080
90th Percentile $83,520

Firefighter Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$54,264
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$51,680
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$49,096
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$47,546
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Firefighter in Columbia

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding South 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Columbia

Browse open firefighter positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Columbia

How much does a Firefighter make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,640 (10th percentile) to $83,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,512, a firefighter in Columbia earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Columbia's median firefighter salary of $46,512 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $46,512 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Columbia? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Columbia 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.