Public Service Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Firefighter Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median firefighter salary in Memphis, TN is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$44,445
vs State Avg
$-1,550
vs National
$-7,235
Cost of Living
86%

Firefighter Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $1,550 below the Tennessee state average of $45,995. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Memphis spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $25,456
25th Percentile $33,196
Median (50th) $44,445
75th Percentile $61,232
90th Percentile $79,808

Firefighter Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$51,680
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$47,546
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$45,478
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$45,478
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Firefighter in Memphis

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Memphis

Browse open firefighter positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Memphis

How much does a Firefighter make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Memphis earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Memphis's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $44,445 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Memphis? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Memphis 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.