Firefighter in Murfreesboro, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Murfreesboro Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Murfreesboro pays its firefighters a solid, middle-of-the-road wage that reflects its status as a midsize city with a lower-than-national cost of living. The median salary for a firefighter in Murfreesboro is $56,674 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.25. This is just a hair below the national average of $57,120, which is a typical scenario for a city that offers affordability over high metropolitan pay.

The job market here isn't massive, but it's steady. There are approximately 330 jobs in the metro area for Firefighters/EMTs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, consistent demand for personnel, especially as the city continues its steady expansion and as existing personnel retire.

To give you a clearer picture of how pay scales with experience, here’s a breakdown based on local department structures and regional data:

Experience Level	Approximate Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Fresh out of the academy, you'll be on a probationary period. This is for firefighters who have met all basic certifications. Your focus is on learning procedures, equipment, and building experience.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$54,000 - $62,000	You're now a seasoned member of your crew, likely an engineer or operator. You handle more complex calls and may start mentoring newer firefighters. This is where the median salary sits.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$63,000 - $72,000	At this stage, you're a senior firefighter, likely a Lieutenant or Captain. You have significant station leadership responsibilities, administrative duties, and advanced technical skills.
Expert/Division Chief (15+ years)	$75,000+	This is for seasoned veterans who move into command staff (Battalion Chief, Division Chief) or highly specialized technical roles (HazMat, Technical Rescue).

When you stack Murfreesboro's pay against other major Tennessee cities, the picture gets more nuanced. Nashville, with its higher cost of living, pays a premium (median ~$61,000). Knoxville and Chattanooga are more comparable, often within a $2,000-$4,000 range of Murfreesboro's median. Memphis, while having a lower cost of living, sometimes has a slightly lower base pay. The key takeaway is that Murfreesboro offers a competitive salary that stretches further than in larger Tennessee metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the numbers that matter—what you actually take home and what you can afford. A firefighter earning the median salary of $56,674 faces the following realistic deductions:

• Federal & State Taxes (TN has no state income tax): ~22-25% (varies by dependents, filing status, 401k/457 contributions)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65%
• Health Insurance & Other Deductions: ~5-10% (depends on your plan and contributions)
• Total Estimated Deductions: 30-38% of gross pay

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,100 - $3,500

Now, against the average 1BR rent of $1,442/month. This is a significant portion of your take-home (40-46%), but it's manageable, especially if you're willing to have roommates or live slightly outside the core city.

Can they afford to buy a home? Under the 28% rule (housing costs shouldn't exceed 28% of gross income), a $56,674 salary supports a mortgage payment of about $1,322/month. In Murfreesboro's current market, this translates to a home purchase price in the $275,000 - $300,000 range, which is very possible. Many firefighters work overtime or hold secondary EMT/paramedic certifications to boost income, making homeownership a realistic goal within a few years of steady employment.

Where the Jobs Are: Murfreesboro's Major Employers

Murfreesboro's fire protection is primarily handled by the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department (MFRD), a large and highly respected agency. However, other opportunities exist.

1. Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department: The primary employer with 9 fire stations covering over 40 square miles. They run on a 24-hours-on/48-hours-off (or similar) schedule. Budgets are public, and they are known for a strong public safety focus. They hire in cycles, often with 10-20 new recruits per class. Insider tip: Follow their social media for hiring announcements; they post well in advance.

2. Rutherford County Fire & Rescue: Covers the unincorporated areas of Rutherford County, which includes parts of the growing suburbs like Blackman, Barfield, and parts of La Vergne. They often seek firefighters with EMT or paramedic certifications. This is a great option if you prefer a slightly more rural or suburban response area.

3. Stones River Fire Department: A smaller, volunteer agency that serves parts of the northeastern county. While most positions are volunteer, they sometimes have paid part-time or per-call opportunities, especially for EMTs. It's a good way to get local experience if you're new to the area.

4. St. Rutherford County EMS: While technically ambulance-based, many firefighters in Tennessee cross-train as EMTs or paramedics. Working for Rutherford County EMS can be a foot in the door and provide valuable medical response experience that is highly valued by fire departments.

5. Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC): These are the major healthcare employers in the area. While not fire departments, they have robust ED and critical care teams that often hire firefighters with paramedic licenses for roles in patient transport or as part of the hospital's emergency response teams.

Hiring Trends: The 4% growth means steady hiring, not a boom. New recruits often need to be certified as EMT-Basic or Paramedic prior to application. The city's growth is pushing departmental expansion, with plans for new stations, which will drive future hiring.

Getting Licensed in TN

To be a professional firefighter in Tennessee, you must meet state and often department-specific requirements.

• State Certification (Tennessee Commission on Firefighters Certification): You must be certified as a Firefighter I & II. This is typically achieved through a state-approved academy, which can be a 14-20 week program. Cost: $1,500 - $3,000 for the course and materials.
• EMT/Paramedic License (Tennessee Department of Health): While not always mandatory for all departments, having an EMT-Basic license is often a minimum for hiring, and a Paramedic license gives you a significant edge. EMT courses take 3-6 months and cost $1,200-$2,500. Paramedic training is intensive, taking 12-18 months and costing $5,000 - $10,000.
• Firefighter I & II Timeline: From start to finish, including prerequisites, the academy, and testing, expect 6-9 months.
• Total Estimated Cost for State Certifications (Firefighter + EMT-B): $2,700 - $5,500. Many departments reimburse these costs after hiring, but you must be certified before applying for most full-time jobs.

Insider Tip: The Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department often hosts its own recruit academies for hired candidates, which can be a paid training period. Always check the job posting for specifics.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live depends on your shift schedule, family needs, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods that are popular with public safety professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's a Good Fit
North Murfreesboro	Quiet, established, older homes. Near I-24.	$1,200 - $1,500	Easy access to downtown and I-24 for commuting to stations or other jobs. Family-friendly with good schools.
Blackman	Suburban, growing, more single-family homes.	$1,300 - $1,600	Close to Rutherford County Fire stations and newer subdivisions. Popular with younger families.
Downtown/ Historic District	Walkable, vibrant, urban feel.	$1,400 - $1,800	For the firefighter who wants to be near bars, restaurants, and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Can be loud on weekends.
Barfield	Rural-suburban mix, lots of space.	$1,250 - $1,550	More land for the money. Close to Stones River and the battlefield. Great for those who want a quiet retreat.
Westside	Established, mid-century homes, good value.	$1,100 - $1,400	More affordable option that's still within a 15-20 minute drive to most stations. A solid "first home" area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career with MFRD or Rutherford County offers clear advancement paths with tangible financial rewards.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement:

• Promotional Steps: Firefighter -> Engineer -> Captain -> Battalion Chief -> Division Chief. Each step comes with a significant pay raise, often $5,000 - $10,000+ per step.
• Specialty Pay: Departments offer incentives for specialized skills:
  • Paramedic: $2,000 - $4,000 annual premium.
  • Hazardous Materials Technician: $1,500 - $3,000 annual premium.
  • Technical Rescue (Confined Space, Swift Water, Rope): $1,000 - $2,000 annual premium.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: Often a lateral move with a base pay increase.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The growth is tied to population and development. Expect:

1. New Stations: MFRD has plans for station expansion, creating new leadership roles.
2. Increased Specialization: As the city grows, so does the need for specialized HazMat and technical rescue teams.
3. Paramedic-Driven: The trend toward community paramedicine and integrated EMS will make paramedic certification the golden ticket for promotion and job security.
4. Stable Base, Overtime Opportunities: Base pay will grow with promotions and cost-of-living adjustments. Overtime for special events (MTSU games, city festivals) and coverage is a reliable income booster.

The Verdict: Is Murfreesboro Right for You?

Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown of the pros and cons based on the local landscape.

Pros	Cons
Strong Affordability: The Cost of Living Index of 97.4 means your paycheck goes further than in Nashville or Knoxville.	Competitive Hiring: While jobs are stable, the best positions (MFRD, County) are competitive, especially for those without EMT/Paramedic cert.
Stable Job Market: The 4% growth and 330 jobs indicate a reliable, non-volatile employment sector.	Traffic & Commute: I-24 is notorious for congestion during rush hour, especially from Blackman or Murfreesboro Pike areas.
Community Vibe: It's a friendly, family-oriented city with a strong sense of community pride in its public safety services.	Less "Big City" Action: If you're looking for the constant action of a major metro like Nashville, the call volume per firefighter might feel lower.
Career Growth Path: Clear, structured promotions with tangible pay increases and specialty premiums.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; winters can bring ice storms. You must be prepared for all conditions.
Access to Nature: Stones River, Barfield Park, and Tim's Ford Lake are all within a short drive for off-days.	Limited Higher Education for Families: While MTSU is great for adults, the public school system, while good, is not ranked in the top tier statewide.

Final Recommendation: Murfreesboro is an excellent choice for a firefighter seeking a solid career with a high quality of life. It's ideal for those who value affordability and a community feel over the high-energy (and high-cost) scene of a major metropolis. It's especially attractive if you already have or are willing to get your EMT/Paramedic license. If you're a single firefighter looking for endless nightlife, you might find it quieter. But for building a stable career and potentially buying a home, it's one of the best values in Tennessee.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a Murfreesboro resident to apply for MFRD?
A: No, there is no residency requirement for the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department. You can live anywhere in the surrounding county or even in a neighboring county.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for MFRD?
A: It is competitive. For a class of 15 positions, you might see 150-200 applicants. Having your EMT-Basic or Paramedic license, a clean background, and passing the physical ability test (CPAT) are critical. Interview performance is heavily weighted.

Q: What does the shift schedule look like?
A: Most full-time departments, including MFRD, use a 24-hours-on/48-hours-off schedule, often with a Kelly Day (an additional day off every few weeks) to manage overtime. Some specialized or county positions might have different schedules.

Q: Is overtime available?
A: Yes. It's common during major events (MTSU football, city festivals, holiday weekends), when staffing is low due to illness, or for special training. It's a significant way to boost your income beyond the base salary.

Q: What's the cost of living like compared to Nashville?
A: Murfreesboro is significantly more affordable. While Nashville's median salary might be $4,000-$5,000 higher, its rent and home prices are 30-40% higher. Your disposable income in Murfreesboro will likely be higher.