GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) — The City of Greenville has raised salaries for those looking to join the fire department.
The city’s new salary structure was implemented January 1. According to the city’s website, firefighters with no previous experience can start by earning $45,760, while firefighters with experience can earn between $50,336 and $68,952.
Candidates who have military experience, specialized training or can speak a second language can qualify to earn more than the base salaries.
“In the fire service, their jobs are dangerous,” Greenville City Fire Chief Brian Horton said. “They serve the community. We need to lead the market to make sure our firefighters and their families are protected and taken care of.”
Horton said the city has worked to set competitive salaries for the last seven years and looks at firefighters’ salaries throughout the south when determining its pay structure.
“We compete regionally, so we look across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee to make sure that we’re in the same range with being competitive,” Horton said.