Firefighter in Jackson, TN

As a career analyst who’s watched Jackson’s job market for years, I can tell you this city offers a unique proposition for firefighters. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but a tight-knit manufacturing and medical hub where a firefighter’s salary stretches surprisingly far. This guide cuts through the fluff and gives you the straight data you need to decide if moving here is the right call.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let’s get the numbers on the table first. The median salary for a firefighter in Jackson, TN, is $54,943/year, which breaks down to roughly $26.41/hour. This is just below the national average of $57,120/year, but don’t let that fool you. In a city where the cost of living index is 87.3 (well below the U.S. average of 100), that salary feels like much more. Jackson’s metro population sits at 68,262, and there are only 136 firefighting jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn’t a booming market; it’s a stable, consistent one. You’re looking at solid opportunities, but you’re not competing with hundreds of new hires every year.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a good benchmark, salaries climb with experience and rank. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local department pay scales and state data.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Estimate	Key Factors in Jackson
Entry-Level (FF I/II)	$42,000 - $48,000	Typically starts at the lower end. Benefits (health, pension) are a major part of the total compensation package.
Mid-Career (Engineer/Lt.)	$55,000 - $65,000	This is where the median $54,943 sits. Promotion to engineer or lieutenant brings a significant bump.
Senior (Captain/Station Chief)	$65,000 - $75,000+	Requires 10+ years and additional certifications. Captain's pay often exceeds the median by a healthy margin.
Expert (Division Chief/Admin)	$80,000 - $95,000+	These are command staff positions. Highly competitive and often require a bachelor's degree in fire science or public administration.

How Jackson Compares to Other Tennessee Cities

Jackson’s salary is competitive for West Tennessee, but lags behind the state’s major metros. Here’s how it stacks up.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Pay Feel
Jackson	$54,943	87.3	Excellent. Money goes far here.
Memphis	$58,200	~88.0	Good, but higher crime and taxes can offset the slight pay bump.
Nashville	$62,500	~103.0	Challenging. High rent and congestion eat into the higher salary.
Knoxville	$59,000	~91.0	Solid. Slightly better pay than Jackson, with similar cost of living.

Insider Tip: For a firefighter from a high-cost coastal state, Jackson’s salary might seem low, but the financial freedom here is real. You can own a home and live comfortably on a single income, which is a rarity in many fire departments.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a firefighter earning the median $54,943. This is a practical budget breakdown for life in Jackson.

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$4,578
• Estimated Taxes (Fed/State/FICA): ~$1,050 (conservative estimate)
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$3,528

Now, let’s factor in the average 1BR rent in Jackson, which is $866/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Rent Scenario):

• Net Pay: $3,528
• Rent (1BR): $866
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Gas, Savings: $2,662

Even after rent, you have over $2,600 for all other expenses. This is a very comfortable buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Jackson is around $180,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would be roughly $1,139/month (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than rent but still very manageable on a $54,943 salary, leaving you with about $2,389 for other expenses. Many firefighters here own homes, often within a 10-minute drive of their station.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Firefighting jobs in Jackson are concentrated in a few key areas. Here are the primary employers and what you need to know about them.

1. Jackson Fire Department (City of Jackson): The largest employer, with multiple stations covering the city. They handle all types of calls, from structural fires to medical emergencies. They are consistently hiring, but the process is competitive.
2. Madison County Fire Department: Covers the areas outside the city limits. They have a mix of career and paid-on-call firefighters. If you’re open to a hybrid model, this is a solid option.
3. Regional One Health (Jackson Campus): While not a fire department, this major hospital is a huge source of medical calls. Firefighters here get extensive EMS experience, which is valuable for career advancement.
4. Union University: This private university has its own campus police and fire safety protocols, occasionally creating opportunities for fire inspectors or safety officers.
5. West Tennessee Healthcare (Mandatory Intake): Another major medical system. Firefighters often work closely with their EMS services, especially for inter-facility transfers.
6. Local Industries (Manufacturing & Warehousing): Jackson is a manufacturing hub. Companies like Toyota Bodine (in nearby Blue Oval City) and major distribution centers (like those for FedEx) have on-site safety teams. While not traditional firefighting, these roles require fire safety certification and are a growing niche.

Hiring Trends: The 4% growth is modest. Most openings come from retirements. The key is to be patient and have your Tennessee certifications in order before applying. The city and county departments prefer candidates who are already licensed and can start with minimal additional training.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee has clear requirements for firefighters, administered by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Meet Basic Requirements: Be at least 18, have a high school diploma/GED, and a valid driver’s license.
2. Complete Firefighter I Certification: This is the core entry-level certification. It covers basic fire behavior, suppression, and rescue. You can get this at a Tennessee Fire Commission-accredited academy.
   • Cost: $1,200 - $2,500 (varies by academy; some departments sponsor recruits).
   • Timeline: ~6 months (full-time academy) or ~12 months (part-time night/weekend courses).
3. Get EMT-Basic Certification: Most departments, especially in Jackson, require you to be an EMT. This is a separate course.
   • Cost: $800 - $1,500.
   • Timeline: ~6 months (often part-time).
4. Pass Background Check & Physical: Standard for all public safety jobs.
5. Apply & Test: Take the written exam and physical agility test (PAT). The Jackson PAT is based on the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) standards.

Insider Tip: Start your EMT-Basic course before you apply. Having both certifications makes you a top-tier candidate and can be the difference between getting hired and being placed on a waitlist.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live depends on your station assignment and lifestyle. Jackson is a driving city, but commutes are short.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR/2BR)	Best For
North Jackson	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. 10-15 min drive to downtown stations.	$850 / $1,100	Those wanting a yard, good schools, and a peaceful home life.
East Jackson (Lakeland)	Growing, more modern subdivisions. Close to Northwest Community Hospital and shopping.	$900 / $1,200	Younger firefighters, convenient access to amenities.
South Jackson	More established, some older homes. Closer to Union University and the airport.	$750 / $1,000	Budget-conscious buyers looking for character.
Midtown/Downtown	Historic, walkable, closer to the action and main stations.	$800 / $1,150	Those who want a short commute and a vibrant neighborhood feel.
West Jackson (Near County Line)	Mix of rural and suburban. Closer to county fire stations.	$700 / $950	If you work for Madison County FD and prefer a bit more space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Jackson is steady, not explosive. Your path is defined by certifications and time.

• Specialty Premiums: Departments often offer stipends for special skills. Expect $1,500 - $3,000/year extra for:
  • Hazmat Technician
  • Technical Rescue (Confined Space, Trench)
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator
  • Paramedic (Significantly more valuable, can add $5k-$10k+ to your salary).
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Firefighter → Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Division Chief. Each step requires time-in-grade, exams, and often additional education. A bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or Public Administration is almost mandatory for Chief-level positions.
• 10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): This means roughly 5-6 new openings per year across the entire metro. It’s not a ton, but it’s reliable. This stability is a pro for long-term planners but a con for those seeking rapid advancement. To move up, you often need to wait for retirements.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living – Your paycheck has real power.	Modest job growth – Fewer openings than in major metros.
Stable, predictable jobs – Low turnover, community-oriented.	Slower advancement – You’ll need patience to climb the ranks.
Tight-knit fire community – You’ll know everyone across departments.	Limited specialty call volume – Less frequent major incidents than in big cities.
Excellent work-life balance – Short commutes, affordable housing.	Car-dependent city – Public transit is minimal.
Great for families – Safe, good schools, community events.	Fewer training resources – May need to travel for advanced courses.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for firefighters who value stability, affordability, and quality of life over high-octane career growth. It’s ideal for those starting a family, coming from a high-cost area, or looking for a long-term home base. If you crave the diverse calls of a major metro or want to be a battalion chief by 35, Nashville or Memphis might be better fits. But for a solid career where your money and your personal life both thrive, Jackson is hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Is the Jackson Fire Department competitive to get into?
Yes, but not as competitive as Nashville or Memphis. Having your TN Firefighter I and EMT-B certifications already completed is the biggest advantage you can have.

2. What’s the call volume like?
Expect 3-5 calls per shift on average. It’s a mix of medical assists (the majority), motor vehicle accidents, and structure fires. You’ll stay busy but likely won’t see the extreme call numbers of a major city.

3. Do I need to live in Jackson to be a firefighter here?
No, but you’ll need to be within a reasonable driving distance (typically 30-45 minutes) for call-backs or emergencies. Many live in surrounding towns like Medon or Mercer.

4. Are there volunteer opportunities?
Yes, Madison County Fire Department relies heavily on paid-on-call firefighters. This is a great way to get your foot in the door, gain experience, and earn a small stipend per call.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for new firefighters in Jackson?
Patience. The system is stable, which is great, but it means you’ll need to work a few years before you see significant promotion opportunities. Building a strong reputation within the tight-knit community is key.