Public Service Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Firefighter Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median firefighter salary in Nashville, TN is $51,680 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$51,680
vs State Avg
+$5,685
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Firefighter Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median firefighter salary of $51,680, which is $5,685 above the Tennessee state average of $45,995. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $29,600 at the 10th percentile to $92,800 at the 90th percentile — a $63,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,000, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level firefighter earns around $32,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $29,600
25th Percentile $38,600
Median (50th) $51,680
75th Percentile $71,200
90th Percentile $92,800

Firefighter Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$47,546
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$45,478
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$45,478
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$44,445
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Firefighter in Nashville

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Nashville

Browse open firefighter positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Nashville

How much does a Firefighter make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $51,680 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $29,600 (10th percentile) to $92,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,680, a firefighter in Nashville earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Nashville's median firefighter salary of $51,680 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $51,680 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Nashville? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Nashville 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.