Firefighter Salary in Tennessee

How Much Does a Firefighter Make in Tennessee?

The typical Firefighter salary in Tennessee ranges from $37,800 to $70,200, with the national median at $54,000.

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations Your actual take-home pay as a Firefighter in Tennessee depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Firefighter in Tennessee

As a Firefighter working in Tennessee, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Firefighter professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Tennessee Has No State Income Tax

Great news! Tennessee is one of only 9 states with no state income tax. This means you keep more of your Firefighter salary compared to working in states like California (up to 13.3% tax) or New York (up to 10.9% tax).

Example: A Firefighter earning $54,000 in Tennessee saves approximately $2,700 to $5,400 per year in state income tax compared to high-tax states.

Cost of Living for Firefighter in Tennessee

Your Firefighter salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Tennessee. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $54,000 Firefighter salary in a low-cost area of Tennessee provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Firefighter Salary Examples in Tennessee

Here's what different Firefighter salary levels look like in Tennessee:

Entry-Level Firefighter ($37,800)

• Gross annual salary: $37,800
• Federal tax: ~$4,536
• FICA: ~$2,892
• Approximate take-home: $28,350

Median Firefighter ($54,000)

• Gross annual salary: $54,000
• Federal tax: ~$8,640
• FICA: ~$4,131
• Approximate take-home: $38,880

Experienced Firefighter ($70,200)

• Gross annual salary: $70,200
• Federal tax: ~$15,444
• FICA: ~$5,370
• Approximate take-home: $45,630

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Tennessee salary calculator.

Compare Firefighter Salaries Across States

The same Firefighter salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $54,000 Firefighter salary in California results in about $2,700 to $5,400 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Tennessee?

The average Firefighter salary in Tennessee varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $54,000, with typical Tennessee salaries ranging from $37,800 to $70,200.

How much does a Firefighter make after taxes in Tennessee?

After federal taxes, FICA, and typical deductions, a Firefighter earning $54,000 in Tennessee takes home approximately $37,800 to $40,500 per year.

Is Tennessee a good state for Firefighter professionals?

Yes! Tennessee's lack of state income tax means Firefighter professionals keep more of their earnings. Combined with cost of living and career opportunities, Tennessee can be very attractive.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Firefighter take-home pay in Tennessee?

Use our Tennessee salary calculator →

Or compare Firefighter salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.