Public Service Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Firefighter Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median firefighter salary in Lafayette, LA is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-1,551
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $1,551 below the Louisiana state average of $47,029. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

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

Firefighter Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$50,646
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$47,546
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$44,445
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$43,928
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Firefighter in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open firefighter positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Firefighter make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Lafayette earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Lafayette's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $47,029. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Lafayette? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Lafayette 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.