As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fire Fighter I in South Carolina is $42,407 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Fire Fighter I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Fire Fighter I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Fire Fighter I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Fighter I | 1-3 years | $42,407 |
| Fire Fighter II | 3-5 years | $58,771 |
| Fire Captain | 5+ years | $80,039 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Fire Fighter Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Fire Fighter I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $46,297. While startup companies pay approximate $39,313.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $39,313 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $41,539 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $44,755 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $46,297 |
For Fire Fighter I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Fire Fighter positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Fire Fighter I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $50,888 | $24.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Fire Fighter I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Fire Fighter I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Fighter II | $58,771 | 39% |
| Paramedic | $45,109 | 6% |
| Police Sergeant | $78,292 | 85% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Fire Fighter I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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