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Firefighter Salaries in Georgia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a firefighter make in Georgia? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $45,970/yr ($22.10/hr), with around 11,660 people working in this field statewide.

Firefighter salaries in Georgia are below the national average by approximately $11,392. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

Georgia's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for firefighters.

Georgia Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Georgia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$45,970
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$37,485

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Georgia Firefighter Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Georgia median of $45,970.

Your annual salary ($)

Firefighter Salary by Experience — Georgia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$28,500/yr · $13.70/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Georgia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$40,913/yr · $19.67/hr
Established professional working independently in Georgia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$51,026/yr · $24.53/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Georgia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$66,200+/yr · $31.83/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Georgia.
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Firefighter Salary Trend in Georgia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for firefighters in Georgia: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Georgia's fire protection and emergency services.

2021
$40,361
2022
$42,706
+5.8%
2023
$44,682
+4.6%
2024
$45,418
+1.6%
2026
$45,970
+1.2%

Firefighter Salary by City — Georgia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Atlanta$51,050$24.54+11.1%4,080
Savannah$48,750$23.44+6.0%3,264
Augusta$47,350$22.76+3.0%2,098
Columbus$44,150$21.23-4.0%1,049
Macon$41,850$20.12-9.0%699
Athens$40,000$19.23-13.0%466

Tip: Atlanta offers the highest firefighter salaries in Georgia at $51,050/yr — +11.1% above the state average.

Georgia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Georgia sits in the mid-range for firefighters.

Georgia — 5.49% state income tax$45,970 gross~$37,485 take-home
Florida — no state tax$58,360 gross+27.0% vs GA
Alabama — 5.0%$47,490 gross+3.3% vs GA
Tennessee — no state tax$47,300 gross+2.9% vs GA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

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Firefighter Job Outlook in Georgia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
11,660Currently employed
1,166+New jobs projected

Employment for firefighters in Georgia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Georgia job market. Georgia's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for firefighters.

How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Georgia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Georgia typically adds $37,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Atlanta pays firefighters $51,050/yr — +11.1% above the Georgia average. Simply relocating within Georgia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in Georgia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Florida pays firefighters $58,360/yr — 27.0% vs Georgia.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Georgia

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a firefighter make in Georgia?
The average firefighter salary in Georgia is $45,970 per year, or $22.10 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $28,500 while experienced professionals earn $66,200 or more.
What city in Georgia pays firefighters the most?
Atlanta pays firefighters the most in Georgia at an average of $51,050 per year — +11.1% above the state average.
How does Georgia stack up nationally for firefighter pay?
Georgia firefighter salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $11,392. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
What is the take-home pay for a firefighter in Georgia?
A firefighter earning the Georgia average of $45,970 takes home approximately $37,485 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Are firefighter jobs worth pursuing in Georgia?
Yes. Firefighter is a strong career choice in Georgia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Georgia's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for firefighters.
How do you get a firefighter licence in Georgia?
In Georgia, firefighters are licensed through the State Fire Marshal's Office. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Fire Marshal's Office for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.