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Fire Lieutenant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

City of Memphis, TN

Single Role Paramedic

Memphis, TN · On-site

$68K/yr

Salary Range:$68,012.36 - $68,012.36 Works under an assigned fire station Lieutenant and on-duty Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lieutenant. Questions patient or other bystanders to gather medical ...

City of Memphis, TN

Single Role Paramedic

Memphis, TN

$68K/yr

Salary Range:$68,012.36 - $68,012.36 Works under an assigned fire station Lieutenant and on-duty Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lieutenant. Questions patient or other bystanders to gather medical ...

City of Memphis, TN

Single Role Paramedic

Memphis, TN · On-site

$68K/yr

Salary Range:$68,012.36 - $68,012.36 Works under an assigned fire station Lieutenant and on-duty Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lieutenant. Questions patient or other bystanders to gather medical ...

Memphis Staffing

EMT Probationary (FC 131)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Job Title Works under an assigned fire station Lieutenant to support both Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations in medical situations. Administers medical treatment in ...

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All JobsFire Lieutenant JobsFire Lieutenant Jobs in Tennessee

Fire Lieutenant information

See Tennessee salary details

$47.2K

$86.6K

$174.7K

How much do fire lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire lieutenant in Tennessee is $86,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How long does it take to be a fire lieutenant?

Becoming a fire lieutenant typically requires several years of experience as a firefighter, usually around 5 to 7 years, along with the completion of relevant training and certifications such as fire officer courses. Advancement depends on departmental policies, individual performance, and passing promotional exams or assessments.

What is the difference between Fire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire LieutenantFire Captain
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/IIFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/II, Fire Officer III/IV (often required)
Work EnvironmentLeading fire crews, supervising daily operations, trainingOverseeing multiple fire crews, managing incident scenes, administrative duties
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonFire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain

Fire Lieutenants typically supervise fire crews and handle daily operational tasks, while Fire Captains oversee multiple crews and manage larger incidents. Both roles require similar certifications and work in fire departments, but Captains often have broader responsibilities and command authority.

Can you be a fire lieutenant in the fire department?

A fire lieutenant is a supervisory role in the fire department responsible for overseeing fire suppression, rescue operations, and personnel. Candidates typically need to have several years of firefighting experience, valid certifications such as Firefighter I and II, and often must complete leadership training or exams to promote to this rank.

What are some common challenges fire lieutenants face when leading their teams during emergency incidents?

Fire Lieutenants often encounter the challenge of making quick, high-stakes decisions while ensuring the safety of both their crew and the public. They must maintain clear communication under pressure, coordinate effectively with other emergency responders, and adapt to rapidly changing situations. Balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on operational tasks can also be demanding, especially during large-scale incidents where resource allocation and situational awareness are critical.

What is a fire lieutenant?

Fire Lieutenants are supervisory firefighters who oversee a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at the fire station. They are responsible for ensuring effective firefighting tactics, enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and managing equipment readiness. Fire Lieutenants serve as the link between firefighters and higher-ranking officers, making critical decisions during emergencies and assisting with administrative tasks. Their leadership helps maintain order and efficiency within their unit, ensuring the safety of both their team and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire lieutenant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Lieutenant, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and typically completion of relevant fire science courses or officer certifications. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire investigation tools, and emergency response software is often required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills set outstanding Fire Lieutenants apart. These competencies ensure effective emergency response, safety of personnel, and successful execution of fireground operations.

How much does a fire lieutenant make in the US?

The average fire lieutenant salary in the US is approximately $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and department size. Fire lieutenants often require certification and leadership skills, and they typically work in fire stations or emergency response environments.
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What job categories do people searching Fire Lieutenant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Lieutenant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Fire Lieutenant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Fire Lieutenant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Lieutenant jobs in TN? For Fire Lieutenant jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Fire Lieutenant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Lieutenant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,629 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Firefighter Private (Fire)

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Memphis, TN • On-site

$20.77/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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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