Firefighter Salary in Tennessee
Firefighter pay in Tennessee, explained
Firefighters in Tennessee earn a median of $49,300 per year ($23.70 per hour), which is 17% below the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $33,910, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $70,460. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $49,300 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $49,300 is worth about $53,663 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #32 for real pay (vs #30 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in Tennessee
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $49,300 | $53,663 | — |
| Virginia | $58,670 | $58,029 | −$9,370 |
| Missouri | $49,080 | $54,043 | +$220 |
| Alabama | $47,600 | $53,590 | +$1,700 |
| Georgia | $46,550 | $48,342 | +$2,750 |
| Arkansas | $39,690 | $45,654 | +$9,610 |
| North Carolina | $37,940 | $40,222 | +$11,360 |
| Kentucky | $37,150 | $41,205 | +$12,150 |
| Mississippi | $35,880 | $41,264 | +$13,420 |
Firefighter in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in Tennessee?
Firefighters in Tennessee earn a median of $49,300 per year ($23.70 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay firefighters well?
At $49,300, Tennessee pays 17% below the national median for firefighters. An estimated 7,020 work in the state.