Public Service Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Firefighter Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median firefighter salary in Knoxville, 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 Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $517 below the Tennessee state average of $45,995. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for firefighters in Knoxville 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 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
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

Nashville, TN
$51,680
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$47,546
Pop. 152,769
Chattanooga, TN
$45,478
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$44,445
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Firefighter in Knoxville

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open firefighter positions in Knoxville, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Knoxville

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