Tennessee Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Tennessee firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Tennessee firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Nashville has increasing OT as explosive population growth strains staffing. Memphis has consistent OT driven by call volume. Other Tennessee cities have more moderate OT availability.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) for most departments. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 5% of gross — one of the lower rates nationally. Tennessee has no state income tax, which meaningfully improves take-home.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Tennessee has no state income tax — a significant take-home advantage. Nashville housing has risen sharply but remains below coastal markets. Memphis is very affordable. Knoxville and Chattanooga offer good value.
TN Firefighter Career Outlook
No state income tax + low TCRS contribution rate (5%) = strong take-home advantage. Nashville is the boom market with rapid compensation improvement. Memphis has higher call volume but more budget challenges.
How to Compare Two Tennessee Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Tennessee?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Tennessee is $46,340. Career firefighters typically earn $52,000–$66,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $72,000–$96,000.
Do Tennessee firefighters get a pension?
Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) for most departments. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 5% of gross — one of the lower rates nationally. Tennessee has no state income tax, which meaningfully improves take-home.
Is Tennessee a good state for a firefighter career?
No state income tax + low TCRS contribution rate (5%) = strong take-home advantage. Nashville is the boom market with rapid compensation improvement. Memphis has higher call volume but more budget challenges.
