Public Service Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Firefighter Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median firefighter salary in Columbus, GA is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 7.5% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$44,445
vs State Avg
$-3,617
vs National
$-7,235
Cost of Living
86%

Firefighter Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $3,617 below the Georgia state average of $48,062. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Columbus spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $25,456
25th Percentile $33,196
Median (50th) $44,445
75th Percentile $61,232
90th Percentile $79,808

Firefighter Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$52,714
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$47,546
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$46,512
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$45,478
Pop. 202,081

How to Become a Firefighter in Columbus

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbus and the surrounding Georgia 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 Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Columbus

Browse open firefighter positions in Columbus, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Columbus

How much does a Firefighter make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Columbus, Georgia is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Columbus earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Columbus's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 7.5% below the Georgia state average of $48,062. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $44,445 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Columbus? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Columbus 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.