Public Service New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Firefighter Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median firefighter salary in New Orleans, LA is $50,646 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$50,646
vs State Avg
+$3,617
vs National
$-1,034
Cost of Living
98%

Firefighter Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median firefighter salary of $50,646, which is $3,617 above the Louisiana state average of $47,029. Compared to the national median of $51,680, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in New Orleans spans from $29,008 at the 10th percentile to $90,944 at the 90th percentile — a $61,936 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,360, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,360. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level firefighter earns around $31,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,360
$-640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $29,008
25th Percentile $37,828
Median (50th) $50,646
75th Percentile $69,776
90th Percentile $90,944

Firefighter Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$47,546
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$45,478
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$44,445
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$43,928
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Firefighter in New Orleans

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. New Orleans 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open firefighter positions in New Orleans, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Firefighter make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $50,646 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $29,008 (10th percentile) to $90,944 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,646, a firefighter in New Orleans earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for firefighter pay? ▼
New Orleans's median firefighter salary of $50,646 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $47,029. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $50,646 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in New Orleans? ▼
Most firefighter positions in New Orleans 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.