Tennessee ranks 37th of 50 states and D.C. for firefighters pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($93,490) by $46,190 — a 98% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $32,480 to $71,300 — a $38,820 spread, 42% tighter than the national $66,840 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.0% of all firefighters in the country (6,510 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $32,480 | $15.62 |
| 25th percentile | $37,850 | $18.20 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $47,300 | $22.74 |
| 75th percentile | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $71,300 | $34.28 |
| Mean (average) | $49,810 | $23.95 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $47,300 | n/a |
| Washington | $93,490 | +98% |
| New York | $88,380 | +87% |
| New Jersey | $87,660 | +85% |
| California | $83,400 | +76% |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 | +68% |
| Illinois | $79,080 | +67% |
| Connecticut | $77,660 | +64% |
| Colorado | $76,560 | +62% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $47,280 | 12,610 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $47,400 | 1,600 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,460 | 16,390 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $47,520 | 460 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $47,000 | 1,120 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | $47,000 | 2,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighters salary in Tennessee?
The mean firefighters salary in Tennessee is $49,810 per year. The median (middle) salary is $47,300 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in Tennessee?
Entry-level firefighterss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $32,480 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,850 per year.
What is the highest Firefighters salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $71,300 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,920 per year.
How does the Tennessee Firefighters salary compare to the national average?
The median firefighters salary in Tennessee is $47,300, which is -21% below national average of $59,530.