Public Service Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Firefighter Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median firefighter salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
+$516
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $516 above the Alabama state average of $44,962. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Tuscaloosa spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

Firefighter Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$47,546
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$46,512
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$44,445
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$43,928
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Firefighter in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open firefighter positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Firefighter make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $44,962. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Tuscaloosa require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.