Firefighter in Gulfport, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

If you're a firefighter looking at Gulfport, the first question is always about the money. The numbers tell a straightforward story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local data, the median salary for a Firefighter in Gulfport is $55,286 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.58. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120, but that gap closes when you factor in Mississippi's significantly lower cost of living.

Let's break it down by experience level. These are typical ranges you'll find with Gulfport-area departments, including the City of Gulfport Fire Department and Harrison County Fire Services.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Gulfport)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $48,000	Post-academy, probationary period. Often starts at the bottom of the pay scale.
Mid-Level	3-7	$50,000 - $60,000	You've earned your stripes, maybe a specialty (EMT, Hazmat). This is where the median sits.
Senior	8-15	$58,000 - $70,000	Seniority, officer potential (Lieutenant/Captain tracks). Base pay increases significantly.
Expert/Command	15+	$68,000 - $85,000+	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, or specialized command roles. Overtime and stipends add up.

Insider Tip: Gulfport departments are competitive. While the base salary is solid, overtime is a major factor. During hurricane season (June-November), overtime for storm standby and recovery operations is common. A seasoned firefighter can easily add $5,000 to $15,000+ to their annual income through strategic overtime.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities:

• Jackson: Median is slightly higher (~$57,000), but the cost of living is also higher, and the city has significant budget challenges that can affect hiring and equipment.
• Biloxi: Very similar to Gulfport, often within $1,000-$2,000 of each other. The two departments have a strong brotherhood and often train together.
• Hattiesburg: Median is lower (~$49,000), with a lower cost of living. It’s a college town with a different call volume and community dynamic.
• Southaven: Closer to the Memphis metro, salaries are higher (~$58,000), but so is the cost of living. It's a faster-paced, suburban/urban environment.

The Gulfport Bottom Line: You won't get rich as a firefighter in Gulfport on base pay alone. But you will live comfortably, and your dollar stretches much further than in most of the country.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A gross annual salary of $55,286 translates to a monthly gross of about $4,607. After federal, state (MS has a progressive income tax), FICA, and local taxes, your take-home is roughly $3,400 - $3,600 per month, depending on your withholdings.

The biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Gulfport is $923/month. Let's build a sample monthly budget for a mid-level firefighter.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,607
Net Monthly Pay (Est.)	$3,500	After taxes & deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$923	For a decent, safe area. Can be lower or higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$180	Gulfport summers are hot; AC is a must.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Many firefighters have a truck/SUV. Insurance can be high for young drivers.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$250	Most full-time departments offer good benefits.
Retirement (MSPERS)	$350	Mandatory 9% contribution. This is a great pension system.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Internet, etc.)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,653
Disposable Income	~$847	For savings, entertainment, emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Gulfport is around $185,000 - $200,000. With a $55,286 salary, a 20% down payment ($37,000) is a challenge, but not impossible with savings. However, many firefighters use VA loans (if eligible) or FHA loans, which require only 3-5% down. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $200,000 home could be around $1,200 - $1,400, which is very manageable on this salary, especially with a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi State Personnel System (MSPERS) pension is one of the best in the country for public servants. It's a defined-benefit plan, meaning you get a guaranteed monthly income in retirement based on your years of service and highest average salary. This is a massive financial benefit that offsets the lower base pay compared to some private-sector jobs or fire departments in states without strong pension systems.

Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

Gulfport's fire service is primarily public. Here are the key players:

1. City of Gulfport Fire Department: The largest employer. They cover the city limits, including key areas like the Port of Gulfport, downtown, and the Crossroads commercial district. They have 10 stations and are known for their technical rescue capabilities. Hiring is periodic, often 1-2 times a year.
2. Harrison County Fire Services: Covers the unincorporated areas of Harrison County, including suburbs like Long Beach and parts of Pass Christian. They have a strong mutual aid agreement with the city. Often a good entry point if City of Gulfport is fully staffed.
3. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Fire Rescue: A specialized, high-standard department. Requires additional training (ARFF - Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting). Pay can be competitive with the city. They serve one of the busiest regional airports on the Gulf Coast.
4. Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) - Gulf Coast District: While not a traditional fire department, they have a fleet maintenance and emergency response role, especially for major highway incidents.
5. Local Industrial Plants: The Gulf Coast is a major industrial corridor. Large employers like Ingalls Shipbuilding (in nearby Pascagoula) and Chevron Pascagoula Refinery have on-site fire brigades. These are private, often higher-paying roles but require specific industrial firefighting training and are more competitive.
6. Mutual Aid Partners: Many firefighters work full-time for one department (e.g., Gulfport) and get paid-on-call (volunteer) status with a neighboring department like Pass Christian or Long Beach for extra income and experience.

Hiring Trends: Gulfport is in a growth phase. The metro population is 72,824 and slowly increasing. The 10-year job growth is 4%, which is modest but stable. Major hiring pushes often follow federal grants for new equipment or stations. The recent focus on hurricane preparedness and the rebuilding of the Port has kept the demand for skilled, certified firefighters steady.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has clear, straightforward requirements through the Mississippi State Fire Academy (MSFA) and the Mississippi State Board of Firefighters Personnel Standards and Education.

The Pathway:

1. Minimum Requirements: Be 18 years old, have a high school diploma/GED, and hold a valid driver's license. A background check is mandatory.
2. EMT Certification (Critical): Almost all Gulfport departments require EMT-Basic certification before or immediately after hire. You can get this at local community colleges like Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC). Cost: ~$1,200 - $1,800. Timeline: 1 semester (approx. 4-5 months).
3. Fire Academy (MSFA): You must graduate from the 18-week Mississippi Fire Academy course (or an equivalent IFSAC/ProBoard accredited academy). Cost: ~$5,000 - $7,000 (often covered by the hiring department if you are sponsored). Timeline: 18 weeks of intense, live-in training.
4. State Certification: After the academy, you take the state certification exam. You'll be certified as a Firefighter I/II and, if you have your EMT, as an Emergency Medical Technician.
5. Hiring Process: Apply to departments. The process includes written exam, physical agility test (CPAT), oral board interview, background check, and medical/psychological screening. This can take 3-6 months from application to hire date.

Insider Tip: Start your EMT certification before applying. It makes you a much more attractive candidate. Many departments will hire you contingent on passing the fire academy, but having your EMT in hand is a huge advantage. MGCCC has campuses in Perkinston (nearby) and is the primary pipeline for local certifications.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Gulfport is about balancing commute, safety, and lifestyle. Here are the top areas for firefighters, considering shift work (24-on, 48-off).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Firefighters
North Gulfport / "The Crossroads"	Commercial, newer apartments, close to I-10. 10-15 min to most stations.	$950 - $1,100	Close to everything: grocery stores, restaurants, I-10 for quick station access. Modern housing.
Deer Park	Quiet, residential, older homes with yards. 15-20 min to downtown stations.	$850 - $1,000	Family-friendly, safe, and affordable. Great for those looking to buy a starter home.
Cue	West Gulfport, near the beach. More touristy, slightly older stock. 15 min to stations.	$900 - $1,050	Proximity to the beach for off-days. Good mix of apartments and small houses.
Long Beach (Suburb)	Separate city, college-town feel (MGCCC Perkinston campus), very safe. 20-25 min commute.	$800 - $950	If you work for Harrison County or don't mind the commute. Lower rent, excellent schools, tight-knit community.
Downtown Gulfport	Historic, walkable, near the Convention Center and marina. 5-10 min to stations.	$1,000 - $1,300	Best for young, single firefighters who want to be in the heart of the action. Walkable, vibrant nightlife.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area east of I-115 and north of Highway 90 (near the old industrial zones) unless you know the specific block. While prices are low, some pockets can be rougher. Always check a crime map and drive the neighborhood at night before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Gulfport offers solid advancement paths within the public system.

Specialty Premiums (Stipends):

• EMT/Paramedic: $500 - $2,000/year stipend, depending on certification level.
• Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space, Water): $1,000 - $3,000/year. Gulfport's proximity to the coast and port makes this a high-demand skill.
• Hazardous Materials Technician: $1,500 - $4,000/year. The industrial corridor creates a need for this.
• Fire Inspector/Investigator: Often a promotional track. Requires additional state certification.

Advancement Path:

1. Firefighter -> Driver/Engineer (operates the apparatus) -> Lieutenant (front-line supervisor) -> Captain (station commander) -> Battalion Chief (shift commander).
2. Promotional exams are competitive. You'll need to study for written tests, oral boards, and sometimes assessment centers. Seniority and specialty certifications give you a significant edge.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the field is stable but not exploding. The biggest opportunities will be in specialties. As the Port of Gulfport rebuilds and expands, there will be a need for firefighters with advanced marine and industrial training. Climate change-driven hurricane intensity will also keep the focus on disaster response and recovery, areas where Gulfport firefighters will have increasing expertise.

The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $55,286 salary goes much further here.	Base Salary is Modest: Below national average; relies on overtime for top earnings.
Strong Pension (MSPERS): Secure, defined-benefit retirement.	Hurricane Exposure: The job is physically and mentally demanding during major storms.
Quality of Life: Beach access, outdoor activities, friendly community.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer cultural venues, major sports teams, etc.
Stable Job Market: Essential service with steady, predictable hiring.	Seasonal Tourism: Traffic and call volume increase in summer, which can be exhausting.
Excellent Training Ground: Diverse call volume (medical, fire, marine, industrial).	High Humidity & Heat: A major physical factor, especially during training and drills.

Final Recommendation:
Gulfport is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values lifestyle and financial stability over a top-tier base salary. It's ideal for those who want to buy a home early, enjoy the outdoors (fishing, boating, beaches), and appreciate a slower pace of life with a tight-knit community. It's perfect for a family-oriented firefighter or someone starting out who can leverage overtime to build savings. If you're primarily chasing the highest possible base pay or need constant, big-city entertainment, a larger metro might be a better fit. For the pragmatic firefighter who understands the value of a pension and a dollar, Gulfport offers a compelling and rewarding career.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to get hired as a firefighter in Gulfport?
It's competitive, but not impossible. Having your EMT-Basic certification is the single biggest advantage you can have. Departments receive hundreds of applications for a handful of spots. Be patient, get your certifications, and apply to multiple departments (City, County, Airport).

2. What's the hurricane protocol like?
It's a major part of the job. Firefighters are typically called back from off-duty for pre-storm preparations and may work extended shifts during and after a storm. The City of Gulfport has a robust emergency management plan. It's demanding but also a time of immense community service and camaraderie.

3. Do I need my own equipment?
No. The department provides all turnout gear, radios, and tools. You are responsible for station uniforms (often provided as a uniform allowance), personal boots, and some personal items. The department maintains all fire apparatus and equipment.

4. How does the shift schedule work?
Most Gulfport departments run a 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule, sometimes with a Kelly Day (an extra day off every 9th shift). This is standard for the region and allows for a good work-life balance, especially if you have a second job or family.

5. What are the physical fitness standards?
You must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is a standardized, pass/fail test with events like stair climbs, hose drags, and dummy drags. You must complete it in under 10 minutes, 20 seconds. Start training now—it's the most common reason candidates fail. Local gyms often have CPAT-specific training programs.