Mississippi Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Policy, Benefits & How to Verify
Mississippi firefighter compensation can vary by department scale, schedule structure, overtime policies, and benefit deductions. This guide helps you compare departments with verifiable inputs and avoids misleading “average salary” shortcuts.
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Verification-first approach: pay scale + overtime policy + benefits/deductions. If you have those, you can estimate realistic take-home pay.
Key Drivers of Pay in Mississippi
- Rank/step plan: step increases and promotions set the core pay path.
- Schedule design: overtime calculation and holiday rules impact annual totals.
- Overtime policy: assignment method and minimums determine realistic earning potential.
- Deductions: retirement and healthcare premiums affect take-home pay.
Overtime and Specialty Pay
Overtime can materially change annual income, but it depends on staffing and policy. Confirm overtime assignment rules, holdover frequency, and any incentives tied to certifications or specialty roles.
How to Compare Departments in Mississippi
- Match the same rank/step across departments.
- Confirm schedule and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime using policy-based assumptions.
- Subtract retirement and healthcare deductions.
- Compare purchasing power using housing and commuting costs.
FAQ
What’s the safest way to avoid misleading salary comparisons?
Use the official pay scale for your rank/step and compare overtime rules and benefit deductions side-by-side.
How can I verify overtime expectations?
Ask how overtime is assigned, whether holdovers are common, and whether there are caps or approval requirements—ideally via official policy or HR documentation.
