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Firefighter Salary in Gastonia, NC

How much does a firefighter make in Gastonia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Gastonia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$46,743
per year in Gastonia
Entry Level
$28,207
Starting salary
Senior Level
$66,085
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Gastonia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$28,207$46,743$66,085
Monthly$2,351$3,895$5,507
Biweekly$1,085$1,798$2,542
Weekly$542$899$1,271
Hourly$14$22$32

Gastonia vs National Average

How Gastonia's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Gastonia Salary
$46,743
COL Index: 88
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,617
Lower in Gastonia

Cost of Living in Gastonia

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$42,821
per year
Population
80,411
residents
Rent % of Income
23.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Gastonia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+125%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+112%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+89%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+28%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+32%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Firefighter Salary in Gastonia, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Gastonia, NC is $46,743 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Gastonia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Gastonia can expect to earn around $28,207 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $66,085 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Gastonia's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Gastonia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Gastonia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 21.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Gastonia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.