Firefighter salary in Tennessee
A strong career option in Tennessee — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$49,300/ yr
$4,108 / mo · $23.70 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$33,904
Median
$49,300
Experienced
$70,470
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Firefighter (entry-level)$33,904
- Firefighter (mid-career)$49,300
- Firefighter (experienced)$70,470
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete1 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$33,904
- Median salary$49,300
- Experienced salary$70,470
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Firefighter in Tennessee
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Firefighter program in Tennessee
Browse certified training programs. Most Firefighter tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in Tennessee.
Get hired in Tennessee
With roughly thousands of Firefighter openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Tennessee.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Firefighter in Tennessee is $49,300 per year, which is $23.70 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $33,904 while experienced Firefighters can earn up to $70,470 annually.
Next step
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