Firefighter in Johns Creek, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Johns Creek Stands

If you're a firefighter looking at Johns Creek, the first question is about the money. Let's be direct: the pay here is solid for Georgia, but it's not Atlanta-money. The median salary for a Firefighter in Johns Creek is $57,274/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.54/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, which is a good sign. It means your skills are valued here at a competitive rate.

However, context is everything. The "Metro" for Johns Creek is a bit tricky. The city itself is small (population ~81,119), but the job market for firefighters in the broader Fulton County/North Atlanta suburbs is what matters. Officially, there are 162 jobs in the metro area, indicating a stable, if not explosively growing, market. The 10-year job growth is 4%, which is steady but slow. This tells me that openings will come from retirements and expansion, not massive new departments. You'll need to be patient and competitive.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in Johns Creek. These are estimates based on the median and typical progression in Georgia fire services.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Estimate)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $50,000	Typically a Firefighter I/II, fresh out of the academy. You'll be on the engine, learning the ropes. Expect to work at a busy station in a more residential area.
Mid-Career	$55,000 - $65,000	This is where the median salary sits. You're likely a driver/engineer or a seasoned firefighter. You have your EMT and maybe some specialty certs. You're a reliable, independent crew member.
Senior	$65,000 - $75,000	A Lieutenant or seasoned driver. You're taking on leadership roles, mentoring probies, and handling more complex incidents. Pay bumps come with rank and longevity.
Expert/Specialist	$70,000 - $85,000+	This is for Captains, Battalion Chiefs, and specialists (HazMat, Technical Rescue, Fire Inspector). Command staff and niche roles command the highest pay. Overtime and special duty can push this higher.

How does this compare to other GA cities?

• Atlanta: Firefighters in the City of Atlanta can earn $60,000+ starting, with higher ceilings due to department size and complexity. The cost of living is also higher.
• Savannah: Similar to Johns Creek, around $55,000 - $60,000, but with a different cost structure (coastal).
• Augusta: Often slightly lower, in the $50,000 - $55,000 range.
• Johns Creek's position: It's a strong mid-tier. You're not getting Atlanta's top pay, but you're also not paying Atlanta's prices. It's a balanced equation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A $57,274 salary isn't just what you see on the offer letter. After taxes, it's closer to $43,000 - $45,000 take-home annually, depending on your deductions (health insurance, retirement, etc.). The biggest variable in Johns Creek is housing.

The average 1BR rent is $1,362/month. The Cost of Living Index is 100.9 (against a US average of 100). That means Johns Creek is just a smidge more expensive than the national average, primarily due to housing.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Estimate)	Notes & Insider Tips
Take-Home Pay	~$3,750	This is after taxes, GA state income tax (5%), and basic deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$1,362	A decent apartment in a safe area. You can find cheaper (<$1,200) in older complexes or shared housing.
Utilities	$200	Electricity, water, trash. Varies by season (high in GA summer).
Food & Groceries	$400	You can save by meal prepping. Plenty of Krogers, Publix, and Asian markets for variety.
Car Note/Insurance	$400	If you have a car payment. Insurance is a must; GA rates are moderate.
Gas/Transport	$150	Johns Creek is car-dependent. Commutes to stations or out to training can add up.
Retirement Savings	$300	Critical. Firefighters have a pension, but personal savings (457b) are essential.
Miscellaneous	$300	Entertainment, clothes, phone, etc.
Total Expenses	~$3,112
Leftover/Savings	~$638	This is your buffer. It's not a lot, but it's manageable with discipline.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Johns Creek is over $550,000. On a $57,274 salary, that's out of reach for a single income. However, it is absolutely possible with a dual-income household (e.g., a partner/spouse also working). Many firefighters live in nearby, more affordable cities like Suwanee, Duluth, or Cumming, where they can find homes in the $350,000 - $450,000 range. Commuting 20-30 minutes is common. Insider Tip: Look at Forsyth County just north of Johns Creek. Property taxes are lower, and homes are more attainable for first responders.

Where the Jobs Are: Johns Creek's Major Employers

Johns Creek doesn't have its own city fire department. It contracts with Fulton County Fire Rescue. This is a critical point. You're applying to a large, county-wide system. Here are the key employers and locations:

1. Fulton County Fire Rescue (Station 12 - Johns Creek): This is your primary employer. Station 12 is located in the heart of Johns Creek, serving the city's 30 square miles. It's a busy station due to the population density and affluent neighborhoods. Hiring is done through Fulton County's civil service process.
2. Fulton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS): While technically separate, Fire and EMS work side-by-side. Many firefighters are also EMTs or Paramedics, and cross-training is common. Fulton County EMS is a major employer in the same locations.
3. Northside Hospital Forsyth: Located in nearby Cumming (about a 15-minute drive), this is a major trauma center. Firefighters often transport patients here. The hospital itself may have internal security/fire safety positions, but they are not frontline firefighting.
4. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston): While not in Johns Creek, it's a primary transport destination for pediatric emergencies from the north Fulton area. It influences the types of calls firefighters run.
5. Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services: The adjacent county. They have stations bordering Johns Creek. While you'd be applying to Gwinnett, not Fulton, it's a relevant alternative with similar pay scales and a larger population base (more job openings).
6. City of Alpharetta Fire Department: Alpharetta is a similar affluent, northern suburb. Their department is independent and competitive. A commute from Johns Creek is easy via GA-400. They offer a strong career path.
7. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Large corporate campuses in the North Fulton area (e.g., in Alpharetta or Sandy Springs) sometimes have their own fire safety teams, but these are niche and require different certifications.

Hiring Trends: Fulton County is a large, stable government entity. Hiring is cyclical, often tied to the county budget and retirement waves. They usually have 2-3 recruit classes per year. The process is competitive—expect written tests, physicals, interviews, and background checks. Insider Tip: Get your EMT-Basic certification before applying. It's a huge advantage and often a prerequisite for Fulton County.

Getting Licensed in Georgia

To be a firefighter in Georgia, you must be certified by the Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council (GFSTC). Here’s the direct path:

1. Basic Firefighter Certification (Firefighter I/II): This is the foundation. You can achieve this through:
   • A Fire Academy: Enroll in a state-certified academy (e.g., at a technical college like Gwinnett Technical College or Atlanta Technical College). This typically takes 6-8 months full-time and costs $5,000 - $10,000.
   • Hire-on & Train: Some departments, including Fulton County, may hire you first and put you through their academy. This is less common now but still possible.
2. EMT-B Certification: This is almost mandatory. The course is about 120 hours and can be taken concurrently with or after your Fire I/II. Cost: $1,500 - $3,000. Many community colleges offer this (e.g., Chattahoochee Technical College).
3. Paramedic (Optional but highly recommended): This is a 12-18 month commitment and can cost $10,000+, but it drastically increases your hireability and salary potential.
4. Pass the CPAT: The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a standardized, pass/fail obstacle course. You must train for it. Insider Tip: Start training now. Don't wait. Many local gyms offer CPAT prep classes.

Total Timeline & Cost:

• Fast Track (hire-on academy): 6-8 months in the academy, minimal cost if hired first.
• Pre-Certified: 6-12 months to get Fire I/II and EMT, $6,500 - $13,000 out of pocket.
• Path to Paramedic: Add 1-2 years and $10,000+.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are top picks:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Firefighters
Johns Creek (City Proper)	Affluent, quiet, family-oriented. Commute to Station 12 is 5-15 mins.	$1,350 - $1,500	You live where you serve. Quick to calls if you're on volunteer or reserve, but rent is at the city average.
Suwanee	Lively, growing, with a great downtown park. 15-20 mins to Johns Creek.	$1,250 - $1,400	More affordable than Johns Creek, great community feel, easy access to I-85/GA-400. Very popular with first responders.
Duluth (East)	Urban-suburban mix, diverse food scene. 20 mins to Johns Creek via Peachtree Industrial.	$1,200 - $1,350	Lower rents, vibrant downtown, and a shorter commute than many think. Good balance of city and suburb.
Cumming (Forsyth Co.)	Family-focused, excellent schools, more suburban sprawl. 20-25 mins to Johns Creek.	$1,300 - $1,450	If you want a yard and a quieter life, this is it. Lower property taxes if you buy. The commute is straightforward.
Milton	Upscale, equestrian, very low-density. 25-30 mins to Johns Creek.	$1,400+	For those seeking privacy and space. Rent is higher, and it's more car-dependent. Beautiful but less central.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Fulton County Fire Rescue, advancement is structured and competitive.

• Promotion Path: Firefighter → Driver/Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires passing a promotional exam, which tests knowledge, skills, and leadership. It can take 3-5 years to promote to Engineer, and 8-12 to Captain.
• Specialty Premiums: Fulton County offers pay incentives for certifications:
  • EMS (EMT/Paramedic): A monthly stipend (e.g., $200-$400/month).
  • Technical Rescue: HazMat, Technical Rescue (rope, trench, collapse) certification can add a premium.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: A lateral move into the fire marshal's office, often with a pay bump and a M-F schedule.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth suggests a stable, but not booming, market. Your long-term security depends on:
  1. Building seniority in Fulton County.
  2. Specializing (becoming a Paramedic or technical expert).
  3. Developing leadership skills for promotion.
     The biggest threat is budget cuts. Always have a side skill (like construction or teaching) as a backup.

The Verdict: Is Johns Creek Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Employment with Fulton County, a large government entity.	No City Department: You're part of a county system, not a tight-knit city crew.
Competitive Salary that is above national average and adjusted for local COL.	High Rent: The $1,362 average rent is a significant chunk of your take-home pay.
Excellent Call Volume: You'll run diverse, complex calls in an affluent, busy suburb.	Tough Homeownership: Buying a home in Johns Creek itself is a major financial stretch on one income.
Great Location: Easy access to Atlanta, airports, and North GA recreation.	Slow Growth: The 4% job growth means promotions and new hires are gradual.
Strong Benefits: Fulton County offers a good pension, health insurance, and leave.	High Competition: You'll be competing with applicants from all over the metro area.

Final Recommendation: Johns Creek is a strong choice for a mid-career firefighter or a newly certified applicant willing to start in Fulton County. It's not the easiest place for a single-income, entry-level firefighter to buy a home immediately, but it's a fantastic place to build a stable, respectable career. If you're willing to live in a neighboring city like Suwanee or Duluth and commute, the financial equation becomes much more manageable.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Johns Creek to work for Fulton County Fire Rescue?
A: No. Fulton County does not have a residency requirement. You can live anywhere in Georgia. Most firefighters live in the northern suburbs (Forsyth, Gwinnett, North Fulton) for affordability and commute.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Fulton County?
A: Very competitive. They often receive hundreds of applications for a handful of spots. Having your EMT-B and a clean background is the minimum. A college degree, military service, or prior volunteer experience will help you stand out.

Q: What's the typical schedule?
A: Fulton County uses a standard 24-hours on, 48-hours off shift schedule. You work one full day and night, then get two days off. This is common for career firefighters and allows for a good work-life balance.

Q: Is the cost of living really 100.9?
A: Yes, according to Sperling's BestPlaces. It's essentially the national average, but housing is the driver. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are close to the norm. Your biggest budget item will always be rent or a mortgage.

Q: Are there volunteer opportunities if I'm not yet certified?
A: The Johns Creek area has several volunteer fire departments in neighboring counties (like Forsyth). However, Fulton County Fire Rescue is a career-only department. Volunteering in a nearby county is a great way to get experience, but it won't directly lead to a job with Fulton County. Your time is better spent getting certified.