Georgia Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime, Benefits & How to Compare Departments
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Georgia firefighter compensation varies by department pay scale, schedule design, overtime policy, and benefit deductions. This guide outlines the factors you should verify when comparing opportunities across Georgia.
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Georgia Pay: The Core Variables
- Rank and step: pay growth is often driven by steps and promotion pathways.
- Schedule: confirm how built-in overtime and holiday time are handled.
- Overtime policy: assignment rules and callback minimums determine practical earning potential.
- Benefits: retirement contributions and healthcare premiums affect take-home pay.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Overtime varies by staffing and policy. Verify whether overtime is voluntary or mandatory, how holdovers/callbacks are paid, and whether shift trades trigger premium pay.
Benefits and Retirement
Request a benefits summary and contribution rates. Retirement terms and healthcare premiums can change the total value of an offer even when base pay looks similar.
How to Compare Two Georgia Departments
- Match the same rank/step across departments.
- Confirm schedule and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime using staffing policy.
- Subtract retirement and healthcare deductions.
- Compare purchasing power in the local area you would live in.
FAQ
Should I compare Georgia pay at the state or department level?
Department-level comparisons are usually more accurate because pay scales, overtime rules, and deductions are set locally.
What should I verify before accepting an offer?
Verify the current pay scale, schedule, overtime rules, and your expected retirement and healthcare contribution rates.
