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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Firefighters salary in Memphis, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Memphis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$63,650
Mean annual$59,530
Range (10th to 90th)$35,480 to $71,300
Memphis, Tennessee employment1,500
State vs national+3.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Memphis firefighters fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$35,48025TH$46,840MEDIAN$63,65075TH$71,30090TH$71,300

The middle 50% of workers earn between $46,840 and $71,300, with a median of $63,650.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Long-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5

  • Education and Training

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5

  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

  • Building and Construction

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    3.9 / 5

  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.

  2. 02

    Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.

  3. 03

    Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

  4. 04

    Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.

  5. 05

    Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

  6. 06

    Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.

  7. 07

    Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.

  8. 08

    Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.

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Other metros in Tennessee

How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for firefighters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Firefighters in Memphis, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Firefighters in the Memphis metropolitan area is $63,650.
Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Firefighters?
The Memphis metro median is +34.6% versus the Tennessee state median of $47,300.
How does Memphis compare to the national median for Firefighters?
The Memphis metro median is +3.7% versus the BLS national figure of $61,399.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in Memphis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,480 and the 90th-percentile at $71,300 for the Memphis metro area.
What education is required for Firefighters?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Memphis CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.