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Fire Firefighter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Shelby County

Firefighter Private (Fire)

Memphis, TN

Ability to operate various fire apparatus, including an axe, pry bar, high pressure hose, ladders, safety equipment, breathing apparatus, two-way radio, chemicals, related firefighting equipment, and ...

Forest Service

$25.37/hr

The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized ... Serves as an experienced firefighter on helitack or other related fire suppression modules ...

City of Morristown

Firefighter

Morristown, TN · On-site

The City of Morristown will be accepting applications for the position of FIREFIGHTER with the Morristown Fire Department. Qualifications: Be at least 18 years of age effective as of the first day of ...

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How much do fire firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire firefighter in Tennessee is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it difficult to get hired as a fire firefighter?

Getting hired as a firefighter can be competitive, as it often requires passing written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and interviews. Candidates typically need relevant training, such as EMT certification, and must meet specific age and health requirements, making the hiring process challenging but achievable with proper preparation.

What is the difference between Fire Firefighter vs Firefighter?

AspectFire FirefighterFirefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter Certification, EMT/Paramedic licenseFirefighter Certification, EMT/Paramedic license
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, emergency rescue, fire preventionFire scenes, emergency rescue, fire prevention
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Both Fire Firefighters and Firefighters perform similar roles in fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Fire Firefighter' may be a less common or regional variation. Both require similar certifications and work in comparable environments within fire departments and emergency services.

Is 27 too late to become a firefighter?

Firefighter careers typically do not have an upper age limit, and many departments accept applicants in their late 20s or older. Physical fitness, training, and meeting certification requirements are essential, regardless of age, so starting at 27 can still lead to a successful firefighting career.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Firefighter jobs in Tennessee?

For Fire Firefighter jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Firefighter jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Firefighter jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Fire Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Fire Firefighter job openings:

Fire Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Firefighter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,902 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Firefighter Private (Fire)

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Memphis, TN • On-site

$20.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description


Position Summary
Works under the direct supervision of a Training Officer to learn the techniques of fire suppression, emergency medical services, and emergency and non-emergency incident response. Successful recruits will be assigned to a Fire Lieutenant to perform public safety work involving the protection of life and property.
Reports To: Fire Lieutenant
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be at least 21 years of age upon date of employment.
  • Graduation from an accredited High School or possess a GED.
  • Be a U. S. citizen.
  • Be of good moral character and integrity.

Preferred Minimum Qualifications
  • Paramedic or EMS Certification OR
  • Two (2) or more years of college OR
  • U.S. Military Service with Honorable Discharge OR
  • State of Tennessee Firefighter I or Firefighter II Certification (Nonresidents must qualify for reciprocity)
  • PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Responds to fire, medical and other emergency and non-emergency calls.
  • Performs ladder operations and hose evolutions.
  • Locates and rescues individuals from burning buildings.
  • Ensures that all necessary equipment is available.
  • Checks operation of equipment and apparatus.
  • Creates openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance.
  • Administers medical service to persons needing assistance.
  • Inspects buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances.
  • Selects hose nozzle according to type of fire and directs water stream or chemicals onto fire.
  • Maintains apparatus, living quarters, and emergency equipment.
  • Protects property from water and smoke by use of waterproof covers, smoke fans, and deodorants.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

KSAs
  • Ability to follow directions.
  • Ability to work with the public under stressful and/or dangerous conditions and make quick, accurate decisions concerning human life.
  • Ability to conform to and work in a para-military environment.
  • Ability to work in stressful situations under adverse weather conditions, such as extreme heat, thick smoke, and toxic fumes.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Ability to operate various fire apparatus, including an axe, pry bar, high pressure hose, ladders, safety equipment, breathing apparatus, two-way radio, chemicals, related firefighting equipment, and emergency medical equipment.
  • Ability to perform demanding physical tasks required in firefighting and emergency medical work, such as lifting and carrying a victim, hose, or other equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. while wearing turnouts, air tank, air mask, gloves, etc.; extinguishing fires; making routine inspections of buildings, hydrants, and immediate surroundings for existence of fire hazards; and walking, running, crawling, standing, lifting, climbing, or stooping for long periods of time while wearing/carrying heavy equipment.
  • Ability to work a twenty-four (24) hour/ fifty-six (56) hour work week.
  • Ability to perform firefighting duties in emergency vehicles, such as trucks, engines, or other apparatus at the scene of fire, medical, and/or other emergency and non-emergency calls.
  • Knowledge of the proper use of medical equipment.
  • Knowledge of local streets and hospital locations.
  • Knowledge of emergency communication codes and procedures.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic principles involved in properly extinguishing a fire.

Special Requirements
  • Must pass all pre-hire screening, including physical examination and eye exam.
  • Must pass psychological test, drug screen, and criminal background check.
  • Must pass the Shelby County Fire Department Physical Agility Test.
  • Must pass Firefighter Entry Level test. A study guide is available at www.publicsafetycompass.com.
  • Must successfully complete the Shelby County Fire Department Training Academy within the prescribed time.
  • Must become certified by the State of Tennessee as a Firefighter I and II, and with Shelby County Fire Department as Firefighter III, within three (3) years of being hired. Must maintain certification throughout employment.
  • As dictated by staffing needs, some Firefighter Recruits will be required to complete coursework/testing and become Paramedics licensed by the State of Tennessee within the timeframe (below) based on their medical certification level at time of employment and maintain licensure, as a condition of continued employment.
  • Successful applicants will be notified if this requirement applies to them at the time of the employment offer.

Emergency Medical Licensure Requirements - Deadline to obtain License from date of course enrollment
License Level on Date of Hire
EMT AEMT PARAMEDIC
No license 12 months* 24 months* 48 months*
EMT Basic N/A 12 months* 36 months*
AEMT N/A N/A 18 months*
*Must successfully complete licensure program, testing, application requirements, and submit license at specific deadlines, to be defined and communicated by Shelby County Fire Department, as a condition of continued employment.
  • Must possess and maintain throughout employment adequate physical fitness in order to fulfill the physically demanding (and potentially hazardous) tasks that a firefighter performs.
  • Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver's License.
  • Must have access to an operable automobile and meet County standards for automobile insurance upon date of employment.

Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.

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