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Firefighter Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Firefighter information

See Tennessee salary details

$25.9K

$54.1K

$90.8K

How much do firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter in Tennessee is $54,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $62,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 expertise, and completion of firefighter training programs—often including EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems like radios and dispatch software is vital. Strong teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safety, effective emergency response, and saving lives in high-risk situations.

What do firefighters do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many Firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

What are some common challenges firefighters face during emergency response, and how are they supported in handling them?

Firefighters often encounter physically and emotionally demanding situations, such as working in hazardous environments, responding to unpredictable emergencies, and witnessing traumatic events. To help manage these challenges, fire departments provide comprehensive training, strong teamwork, and access to peer support or counseling programs. Regular drills, debriefings after major incidents, and a culture of open communication also play key roles in supporting firefighters' well-being and effectiveness on the job.

How do you become a firefighter?

To become a firefighter, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and education requirements, complete firefighter training at a state-approved academy, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and EMT. Applicants often must pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and written exams, and may need to gain experience as a volunteer or in related emergency services.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Becoming a firefighter typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by fire academy training which lasts about 12 to 14 weeks. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, written exams, and background checks; some jurisdictions also require EMT certification, which can add several months to the process.

Is 25 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter careers typically have no maximum age limit, and many departments accept applicants in their mid-20s and older. Physical fitness, passing required tests, and obtaining necessary certifications are essential, regardless of age. Age should not be a barrier if you meet the qualifications and are prepared for the training and physical demands of the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Firefighter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter jobs in TN?

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

Infographic showing various Firefighter job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,100 per year, or $26 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Specialist)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Tellico Plains, TN

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and implement prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire monitoring plans

  • Assist in development and execution of prescribed burning plans for complex burn projects and a wide variety of fuel types

  • Support fire management activities such as monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems, and making basic recommendations


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Primary responsibilities of the position are preparing and implementing prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire monitoring plans
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: You must have one-year specialized experience at least equivalent to the (GW-07) grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized Experience is defined as examples of the following: Served as burn boss using various methods in broadcast burning, pile burning, and under burning operations. Performed fire pre-suppression or suppression duties on a fire line controlling wildfire and using fire to accomplish fuel treatment prescriptions. Assisted in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems and making basic recommendations.
For the GW-09: You must have one-year specialized experience at least equivalent to the (GW-08) grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized Experience is defined as examples of the following: Assisted in development and execution of prescribed burning plans for complex burn projects and a wide variety of fuel types. Addressed a broad range of technical fire management problems, such as analyzing on-the-ground fuel conditions and weather. Assisted in developing specific plans for burning projects after analyzing fuels. Recommended direction on priorities, objectives and deadlines for prescribed fire, wildland fire and/or other natural resource activities.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2) -AND- successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) -OR- Crew Boss (CRWB) -OR- Helicopter Manager Boss (HMGB) -OR- Felling Boss (FELB -OR- Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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