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Average Firefighters Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Firefighters in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $47,790. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $43,380, suggesting that local demand or specific regional economic factors are influencing compensation for this critical role. The unique economic landscape and operational needs within the Chattanooga region likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $47,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 49.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,420.
  • Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a local workforce of 590 firefighters, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 2.185. The Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates that the concentration of firefighter jobs in this region is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these professionals. This robust employment base points to a healthy job market for firefighters in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$47,790

The average Firefighters in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns+10.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23

Weekly

$919

Monthly

$3,983

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Salary progression for firefighters in Chattanooga, TN-GA typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available as firefighters gain expertise and take on more responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$32,960$15.8
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$35,843$17.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$45,560$21.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$59,738$28.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$60,420$29

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$47,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$47,790

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $47,790 for firefighters in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape where earnings effectively cover typical living expenses without significant strain or surplus.

Job Market Context

590

Total Jobs

2.185

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.01, the Chattanooga, TN-GA market exhibits a firefighter job concentration that is virtually identical to the national average. This suggests a well-balanced job market where the number of available positions closely matches the national proportion of the workforce. It implies neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of firefighters, indicating a competitive yet stable employment environment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Dalton, GA Firefighters Salary$47,850↑ 0%26 mi
Rome, GA Firefighters Salary$41,890↓ 12%55 mi
Huntsville, AL Firefighters Salary$50,840↑ 6%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Firefighters Salary$34,950↓ 27%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $47,790. This typically ranges from $32,960 for entry-level positions to $60,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 10.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Firefighters in Chattanooga earn above the national average salary, and with a Cost of Living Index matching the national average, their income provides solid purchasing power.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Dalton, GA ($47,850) and Rome, GA.

How does Chattanooga's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $47,790, which is higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the job concentration for firefighters in Chattanooga?

The Location Quotient for firefighters in Chattanooga is 1.01, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect a firefighter's salary?

Chattanooga's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $47,790 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the size of the firefighter workforce in Chattanooga?

The total local workforce for firefighters in Chattanooga, TN-GA is approximately 590 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 2.185 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA