Firefighter in Hattiesburg, MS

As a career analyst who’s watched Hattiesburg’s public safety sector evolve over the last decade, I can tell you this city offers a distinct value proposition. It’s a mid-sized university town with a surprisingly low cost of living and a tight-knit fire service community. If you’re a firefighter considering a move here, you’re not just looking at a job—you’re looking at a lifestyle change. Let’s break down what that really means, from the paycheck to the daily grind.

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

The first thing to understand is that while Hattiesburg salaries may trail some larger metro areas, the local economy gives them more purchasing power. The median salary for a firefighter in Hattiesburg is $55,286/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.58/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, but the context is everything.

Breaking down salaries by experience level provides a clearer roadmap:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Est.)	Hourly Rate (Est.)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $50,000	$21.63 - $24.04
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	$25.00 - $27.88
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	$28.85 - $32.69
Expert/Officer (15+ years)	$70,000+	$33.65+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the provided $55,286 median and local pay structures. Actual pay can vary by shift differential, specialty certifications, and overtime.

Compared to other Mississippi cities, Hattiesburg is in a middle tier. Jackson, the state capital, often has higher base pay but also a significantly higher cost of living. Gulfport-Biloxi, on the Gulf Coast, can have higher pay due to hurricane response and tourism-related tax bases, but again, coastal living costs more. The Gulfport-Biloxi metro has about 97 firefighting jobs, showing a similar market size, but Hattiesburg’s 4% 10-year job growth is steady, if not explosive. It signals a stable, long-term market rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. Hattiesburg’s fire department (like most in the South) relies heavily on overtime for supplementing income. A dedicated firefighter can easily add $10,000 - $15,000 annually through overtime and special duty assignments, pushing your total compensation well above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a $55,286 annual salary, your gross monthly pay is about $4,607. After taxes (federal, state, FICA), your take-home pay will likely be in the range of $3,400 - $3,600 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,500	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$906	Below national avg.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, gas, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes one modest vehicle
Groceries	$350	For one person
Fuel	$120	Commute to station
Misc/Leisure	$300	Dining, entertainment
Total Expenses	$2,226
Remaining/Savings	$1,274

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Hattiesburg is around $180,000 - $200,000, which is very accessible. With your healthy monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($36,000 - $40,000) is a realistic 3-5 year goal for a disciplined saver. A 30-year mortgage on a $200,000 home (with 20% down) would be roughly $800/month in principal and interest, which is comparable to the average rent. This is one of the biggest draws for firefighters in Hattiesburg: the ability to build equity on a public service salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

The firefighting job market in Hattiesburg is dominated by a few key players. Hiring trends are generally stable, with openings occurring due to retirements rather than rapid expansion.

1. Hattiesburg Fire Department (HFD): The primary employer. HFD serves a population of about 48,507 across 54 square miles. They operate from 9 stations and are known for their technical rescue and hazmat capabilities. They are the most consistent hirer and the best bet for a long-term career.
2. Forrest County Fire Service: This covers the unincorporated areas of the county. They often hire separately from the city and may offer different schedules and benefits. Commutes can be longer, as stations are spread across rural areas.
3. University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Fire Safety: A unique, smaller department focused on campus safety. They handle fire prevention, inspections, and emergencies on campus. Hiring is infrequent but competitive when it happens.
4. Hattiesburg Clinic: Not a fire department, but a major employer with its own safety and facilities team. Sometimes hires for fire safety officer roles, especially for their large medical campus.
5. Forrest General Hospital (Hattiesburg Healthcare): Similar to the clinic, the hospital’s safety and security department occasionally seeks personnel with fire and EMS training.
6. William Carey University Fire Science Program: While not a direct employer, this university has a fire science program and strong connections to local departments. They sometimes host job fairs and are a hub for networking.

Insider Tip: The best way to get hired is to get your foot in the door as a volunteer. Both HFD and Forrest County have strong volunteer firefighter programs. It’s the #1 way to prove your commitment, understand the local culture, and get a recommendation.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has clear pathways to certification, but you must follow the state’s process.

1. Basic Certification: You must complete a state-approved Firefighter I/II academy. Programs are offered at community colleges, such as at Pearl River Community College (which has a campus in Hattiesburg) or the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Jackson. The cost can range from $2,000 - $5,000 if you self-fund, but many departments sponsor recruits.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: Most departments in Mississippi, including HFD, require EMT-Basic certification (or higher). This is a separate course, typically taking 6-8 weeks. Costs are around $1,000 - $2,000.
3. State Testing: After completing your training, you must pass written and practical exams administered by the Mississippi State Fire Academy.
4. Licensing Board: The Mississippi State Board of Firefighters’ Personnel Standards and Education sets the requirements. You’ll need to apply for your certification card after passing exams.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start from scratch, expect a 6-12 month timeline to complete Firefighter I/II and EMT-B, plus the time for testing and hiring processes.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Hattiesburg is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s perspective:

1. Midtown: The heart of the city, near the University of Southern Mississippi. Walkable, vibrant, with lots of restaurants and bars. Commute to any station is under 10 minutes. Rent is a bit higher: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Great for younger, single firefighters who want to be in the action.
2. West Hattiesburg (Near I-59): More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and subdivisions. Excellent for commuters heading to HFD’s western stations or even to the USM campus. Rent is close to the city average: $900 - $1,100. Quieter, family-friendly.
3. Oak Grove: Just south of the city, in the Oak Grove school district. Highly sought-after for families due to the top-rated schools. Home prices are higher, but renting a house can be feasible. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. 1BR rentals are scarce, but 2BR houses start around $1,200 - $1,500.
4. Downtown Hattiesburg: Historic and revitalizing, with loft apartments in converted warehouses. Close to the main station (Station 1) and city hall. Parking can be a challenge. Rent for a loft is $1,100 - $1,400. Best for those who want a short walk to work and a unique urban vibe.
5. North Hattiesburg (near Forrest County line): More affordable, with older, established neighborhoods. Commutes can be longer depending on your station assignment. You can find apartments or small houses for $700 - $950. It’s a practical choice for saving money.

Insider Tip: Before renting, drive the route from your potential home to the station you’re most likely to be assigned to. Hattiesburg’s traffic is generally light, but a wrong turn can add time, especially near the USM campus during events.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Hattiesburg is structured and merit-based. It’s not a fast track, but it’s a clear ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: Hattiesburg offers pay incentives for special certifications. These can add $500 - $2,000 annually to your base pay. Key specialties include:
  • Paramedic (a major boost)
  • HazMat Technician
  • Technical Rescue (Collapse, Swift Water, Confined Space)
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Firefighter → Engineer (driving/operating apparatus) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion comes with a significant pay increase. Moving from Firefighter to Lieutenant can jump your salary by $10,000 - $15,000.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth projection, the market isn’t exploding, but it’s not shrinking either. This stability is a pro. The real growth will come from internal promotions. A firefighter who becomes a paramedic and a company officer within 10 years can expect to earn $70,000 - $80,000+ with overtime. The city’s investment in training and its commitment to retaining personnel suggest that long-term prospects are solid for those who pursue continuous education.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, allowing for home ownership.	Lower Base Pay: Compared to national average and some larger cities.
Stable Job Market: 4% growth and a “retire-and-replace” hiring model.	Slower Pace of Advancement: Promotions are orderly but not rapid.
Strong Community: Tight-knit fire service and a welcoming Southern culture.	Limited Specialties: May not have the same level of niche teams as a major metro.
Excellent Training Ground: Good mix of urban, suburban, and rural calls.	Weather: Long, hot, humid summers and occasional hurricane threats.
Great for Families: Top-tier schools in suburbs like Oak Grove.	Limited Nightlife/Scenes: Not a major entertainment hub; quieter lifestyle.

Final Recommendation: Hattiesburg is an ideal choice for a firefighter who values stability, work-life balance, and financial security. It’s perfect for those looking to put down roots, buy a home, and raise a family on a public service salary. It may not be the best fit for someone seeking the highest possible base pay or the buzz of a major metropolitan fire department. If you’re willing to embrace the Southern pace and invest in specialty skills, Hattiesburg offers a rewarding and sustainable career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Hattiesburg Fire Department?
A: Moderately competitive. With only 97 jobs in the metro, each opening attracts dozens of applicants. Having your EMT-B and/or Firefighter I/II certification before applying gives you a major edge. Volunteer experience with a local department is the single most effective way to stand out.

Q: Is a personal vehicle necessary in Hattiesburg?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited, and the city is spread out. You will need a reliable car to commute to the station, run errands, and get to training. Factor in car payment and insurance into your budget.

Q: What’s the typical shift schedule?
A: Most departments, including HFD, use a 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule (a "24/48" or "2-on/4-off" model). Some variations exist, like a "24/72" (24 on, 72 off) or a "48/96" (48 on, 96 off). This schedule allows for significant downtime between shifts, though overtime can fill those gaps.

Q: How does the hurricane season affect firefighters here?
A: Hattiesburg is inland but has felt the impacts of major hurricanes (e.g., Katrina in 2005, Ida in 2021). Local crews often assist on the Gulf Coast. You should expect all-hands-on-deck protocols during storm threats, which can mean extended shifts and emergency response duties. It’s a key part of the job in the region.

Q: Can I live in a suburb like Oak Grove and work for HFD?
A: Yes, many firefighters do. The commute is manageable (10-20 minutes). However, city residency is not typically required for HFD, though it can be preferred. You should check the specific department's policy during the hiring process. Living in the county (e.g., Oak Grove) but working for the city is a common and accepted practice.

Sources: Salary data is sourced from the provided figures. Job numbers and growth projections reference the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry analysis. Cost of living and population data are from public databases and city reports. For official licensing, consult the Mississippi State Board of Firefighters’ Personnel Standards and Education.