Public Service Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Firefighter Salary in Louisiana

The median firefighter salary in Louisiana is $47,029 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $51,680.

Median Salary
$47,029
vs National
$-4,651
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Firefighter Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for firefighter compensation. Firefighter salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,029 per year, firefighters in Louisiana earn $4,651 less than the national median of $51,680.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $47,029 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,680 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: firefighters at the 10th percentile earn $26,936, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,448 — a $57,512 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $50,646.

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for firefighters across the country.

Firefighter Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level firefighter earns around $29,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,620 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,620
$-7,380 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $26,936
25th Percentile $35,126
Median (50th) $47,029
75th Percentile $64,792
90th Percentile $84,448

Firefighter Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for firefighters in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Firefighter in Louisiana

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Firefighter make in Louisiana? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Louisiana is $47,029 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,936 (10th percentile) to $84,448 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,029, a firefighter in Louisiana earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for firefighters? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level firefighters earn $29,120, while senior professionals earn $74,620.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for firefighter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for firefighters is Hawaii at $87,856. Louisiana's median of $47,029 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($47,546) and Wyoming ($47,546).
What is the entry-level firefighter salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level firefighter in Louisiana earns approximately $29,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $74,620.
What city in Louisiana pays firefighters the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for firefighters, with a median salary of $50,646. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.