Firefighter Salaries in Mississippi — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Mississippi pays firefighters a median wage of $36,980 per year — that's $17.78/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 2,630 firefighters make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Firefighter salaries in Mississippi are below the national average by approximately $20,382. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Mississippi's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for firefighters.
Mississippi Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Mississippi after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Mississippi Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Mississippi median of $36,980.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Mississippi
Firefighter Salary Trend in Mississippi — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Mississippi has seen 13.9% wage growth for firefighters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Mississippi's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Mississippi
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $41,050 | $19.74 | +11.0% | 920 |
| Gulfport | $39,200 | $18.85 | +6.0% | 736 |
| Southaven | $38,100 | $18.32 | +3.0% | 473 |
| Hattiesburg | $35,500 | $17.07 | -4.0% | 236 |
| Biloxi | $33,650 | $16.18 | -9.0% | 157 |
| Meridian | $32,150 | $15.46 | -13.1% | 105 |
Tip: Jackson offers the highest firefighter salaries in Mississippi at $41,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Mississippi vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Mississippi sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Mississippi
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Mississippi is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Mississippi job market. Mississippi's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for firefighters.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Mississippi
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Mississippi typically adds $30,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Jackson pays firefighters $41,050/yr — +11.0% above the Mississippi average. Simply relocating within Mississippi 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 Mississippi. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Tennessee pays firefighters $47,300/yr — 27.9% vs Mississippi.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Mississippi
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Mississippi:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Mississippi — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Mississippi — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Jackson, MS→