Public Service Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Firefighter Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median firefighter salary in Chattanooga, TN is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-517
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga, TN

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

Firefighter Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Firefighter in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open firefighter positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Firefighter make in Chattanooga, TN?
The median firefighter salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee 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 Chattanooga?
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Chattanooga earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for firefighter pay?
Chattanooga's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Chattanooga?
Most firefighter positions in Chattanooga 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.