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Firefighter Salary Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$56K - $88K/yr

Salary: $56,250.00 - $88,258.00 Annually Location : Public Safety, Alpharetta, GA Job Type ... Responds to fire alarms, delivers all equipment, and implements fire suppression and firefighting ...

Starting salary is based on the Public Safety New Hire Pay Matrix*** Under general direction of the ... Responds to fire alarms, delivers all equipment, and implements fire suppression and firefighting ...

Fire Salary: $61,963 Hours of Work: Full-time FT Certified Firefighters - $3,000 Signing Incentive on First Check Purpose of Work: This position operates fire apparatus in support of fire suppression ...

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Firefighter Salary information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$27.8K

$58.2K

$97.6K

How much do firefighter salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter salary in Decatur, GA is $58,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $67,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a firefighter?

The average salary of a firefighter in the United States varies depending on location, experience, and rank. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual wage for firefighters was around $52,500. Entry-level firefighters typically earn less, while those with more years of experience or in supervisory positions can earn substantially more. Some metropolitan areas and departments may offer higher salaries due to cost of living or increased demand.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of firefighter training programs, often supported by EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and incident command systems is essential. Outstanding teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure are soft skills that set top firefighters apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure effective emergency response, personal safety, and the protection of the community during high-risk situations.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for firefighters, and how does salary increase with advancement?

Firefighters often have clear career progression paths, such as moving from entry-level firefighter to roles like driver/engineer, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief. With each promotion, responsibilities increase, often including leadership, administration, and specialized tasks, which are reflected in higher salaries. Fire departments may also offer additional pay for certifications, overtime, and specialized roles (e.g., hazardous materials technician). Pursuing further education, certifications, and demonstrating strong performance can accelerate advancement and corresponding salary growth.

What is the difference between Firefighter Salary vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Salary?

AspectFirefighter SalaryEmergency Medical Technician (EMT) Salary
Required CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT certification often requiredEMT certification, sometimes advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentFire stations, emergency scenes, rescue operationsAmbulances, emergency scenes, hospitals
Employer & IndustryFire departments, municipal agenciesAmbulance services, hospitals, fire departments
Common Search & ComparisonFirefighter SalaryEMT Salary

Firefighter and EMT salaries are closely related as both roles involve emergency response and require similar certifications. Firefighters typically earn higher salaries due to the broader scope of responsibilities, including fire suppression and rescue operations. EMTs focus on providing emergency medical care and often have lower salaries but are essential in emergency services. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path based on credentials, work environment, and salary expectations.

Do firefighters make good money?

Firefighters typically earn a median annual salary that varies by location and experience, with many earning between $45,000 and $75,000. The job often requires physical fitness, certifications, and working in high-risk environments, but it can offer benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Salary jobs in Decatur, GA?

For Firefighter Salary jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter Salary jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter Salary jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Firefighter Salary jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Firefighter Salary job openings:

Infographic showing various Firefighter Salary job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,196 per year, or $28 per hour.

$58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


City Of Atlanta (Georgia) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 851 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary 

Entry Level Fire Recruit salary of $54,613+ initial hire. 

FF Tier 1 salary of $58,677 and additional incentives: 

Bilingual: $1,200 Annually 

Paramedic Certified: $1,800 

Associate's Degree: $1,800 

Bachelor's Degree: $4,000 

Benefits 

  • Employer Sponsored Health Insurance Plans with FSA/HSA account options 
  • Employer Sponsored Dental and Vision Plans 
  • Group Supplemental Benefits (Accident, Critical Care, Short Term Disability, Cancer) 
  • Retirement savings plans (Up to 70% pension fully vested, plus 457 options)

Training 

Upon hire, Firefighter EMT Recruits are required to complete a full academy training program consisting of the National Registry Advanced EMT certification, the National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) Firefighter 1 and 2 certification training program and the NPQ Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations certification at the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Academy.  The length of the training academy is approximately one year.  

If requirements are not completed within the designated time, the employee will be dismissed. 

Following graduation from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Training Academy, the newly sworn firefighter will be assigned to an Atlanta Fire Station as a firefighter on "probationary" status for 6 months.

Access important documents for review here before submitting your application.

General Job Description and Classification

The purpose of this position is to assist and support to the citizens of Atlanta with a variety of emergency and non-emergency needs including but not limited to, emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazmat incidents, motor vehicle and roadway incidents, technical rescue, apparatus operations, public safety education, and overall community leadership. 

Supervision Received 

Working under the supervision of a Fire Officer, the firefighter is required to possess experience and aptitude in performing technical skills and to follows standard instructions to accomplish tasks typically assigned to the firefighter position as detailed below.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list. 

  • Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition. 
  • Ability to successfully learn the operation of tools and equipment. 
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. 
  • Ability to learn to apply standard firefighting emergency aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques. 
  • Ability to perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training, or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. 
  • Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. 
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret fire and emergency reports and related materials. 
  • Ability to successfully complete an intensive training program including but not limited to the principles and methodologies of firefighting, emergency medical services and rescue work. 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Be at least 17 1/2 years old at the time of application. 
  • Be a legal United States citizen or possess valid and current documentation to be legally employed in the State of Georgia. 
  • Have successfully earned a high school diploma or GED Possess a valid U.S. driver's license. 
  • Honorable or uncharacterized discharge from a military branch, if applicable. 

Additional Requirements for Firefighter/EMT Recruit Candidates 

  • Candidate must successfully complete the Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) or present a valid IAFF/IAFC Candidate Physical Agility Test CPAT certificate received less than 12 months from the date of application. 
  • Candidate must pass the Accuplacer Test or provide proof of exemption.  (Associate's or Bachelor's Degree or valid SAT, ACT, Accuplacer or ASSET scores achieved within 5 years of application) 

Disqualifications

  • Intentionally falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting information from the employment application, questionnaires, CVSA examination or another pre-employment document(s). 
  • Failure to meet required educational requirements. 
  • Any outstanding criminal charge pending adjudication. 
  • Use of illegal drugs in violation of AFRD Pre-employment Drug Policy. 
  • One (1) or more DUI convictions within three (3) years. 
  • No current probation or parole status. 
  • Tattoos prohibited by our tattoo policy. 
  • Deliberately making inaccurate, misleading, false or fraudulent statements during the employment process Any Felony conviction. 
  • Conviction of two (2) or more misdemeanors within three (3) years. 
  • Must not have received a dishonorable or undesirable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment 

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. 

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department. 

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned. 

Performs duties in accordance with the City of Atlanta's Fire and Rescue standard operating procedures. 

  • Identifies ancillary health hazards, precautions, informs affected individuals and implements appropriate medical protocols. 
  • Evaluates scene upon arrival; identifies dangerous building conditions and electrical emergencies and applies appropriate procedures. 
  • Implements emergency techniques when trapped or disoriented. 
  • Identifies hazardous materials. 
  • Operates emergency vehicles in a safe and efficient manner while responding to radio dispatch and/or telephone requests for assistance. 
  • Assesses and manages incident; determines number of individuals in need of assistance; sets up medical area and assesses nature of injuries and medical problems. 
  • Provides emergency medical care as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians which includes basic trauma life support and pediatric life support; provides rehydration and first aid support during fire ground activities. 
  • Maintains and wears protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, as designed. 
  • Assists in fire suppression activities including ventilation, forced entry, salvage and overhaul; performs various firefighting duties; assists in hazardous materials operations and technical rescue operations. 
  • Attends meetings, seminars and training as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations to promote improved job performance. 
  • Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in performing duties including; handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. 
  • Responds to orders and requests as directed by supervisor.

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