Firefighter in Roswell, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Roswell isn’t the highest-paying city in Georgia for firefighters, but it’s stable, with a cost of living that’s just a hair above the national average. The median salary for a firefighter here is $57,274/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.54/hour. That’s right in line with the national average of $57,120/year, meaning you’re not taking a pay cut to move here, but you’re not getting a premium either. The metro area has 183 firefighter jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%—slow and steady, which reflects the mature, well-staffed nature of the department.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are typical ranges based on the local collective bargaining agreement and industry standards:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$48,000 - $56,000	Basic suppression, EMT-Basic, station duties.
Mid-Career	4-10 years	$57,000 - $70,000	Driver/Engineer, fire officer candidate, advanced EMT/Paramedic.
Senior/Officer	10-20 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Captain/Chief, specialist roles (HazMat, ARFF), training officer.
Expert/Command	20+ years	$85,000 - $110,000+	Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, administrative command staff.

When you compare Roswell to other major Georgia cities, the story gets clearer. The City of Atlanta likely offers higher base pay, but the cost of living is significantly steeper. Savannah and Columbus have comparable salary ranges, but their job markets are smaller. Roswell sits in a sweet spot for those who want metro-Atlanta access without the urban density. The 183 jobs in our metro indicate a robust, competitive environment, with the 4% growth suggesting new hires are needed to replace retirees, not necessarily to expand the force.

How Roswell Compares to Other Georgia Cities

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Metro Population	Job Market Notes
Roswell, GA	$57,274	100.9	91,708	Stable, mid-size department.
Atlanta, GA	~$62,000	~108	4,987,170	Higher pay, higher cost, more competition.
Savannah, GA	~$55,000	~103	147,748	Historic city, hurricane zone, unique challenges.
Columbus, GA	~$54,000	~95	310,000	Lower cost of living, smaller metro area.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Roswell’s benefits package—health insurance, retirement, and tuition reimbursement—are strong. The cost of living index of 100.9 (US avg = 100) means your paycheck goes almost as far here as it does nationally. For a firefighter with a family, that stability is often more valuable than a slightly higher salary in a city with a 110+ cost of living index.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A single firefighter earning the median $57,274/year will see roughly 25-30% go to federal and state taxes, plus FICA. That leaves a take-home pay of approximately $3,500 - $3,800 per month, depending on dependents and deductions.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Roswell is $1,643/month. This is the first major hurdle. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single firefighter:

• Take-Home Pay (Est.): $3,600
• Rent (1BR): $1,643
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/ Fuel: $500 (This is critical; Roswell is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $150
• Retirement Savings (401k/457b): $300
• Miscellaneous/Personal: $357

Remaining Balance: $0 (This is a tight budget).

As you can see, the math is challenging. Rent consumes nearly 46% of the take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. This leaves little room for error, dining out, or significant savings. Can they afford to buy a home? Not on this entry-level salary alone. The median home price in Roswell is over $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000. Without a second income, dual-income household, or substantial savings from a previous career, homeownership on a single firefighter’s median salary is out of reach in the short term. However, a mid-career firefighter (salary $60,000+) with a spouse’s income or a robust down payment can find opportunities.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters live in adjacent, slightly more affordable cities like Alpharetta, Canton, or Woodstock. Commuting from Woodstock to Roswell is a common 25-30 minute drive against the worst of the traffic. Sharing a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate is also a very common strategy among younger firefighters to reduce the rent burden to under $1,000/month.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

The firefighting job market in Roswell is dominated by one major public entity, but with several niche opportunities. The 183 jobs in the metro are primarily with these employers:

1. Roswell Fire Department (RFD): The primary employer. They have 7 stations and approximately 150-160 sworn personnel. RFD runs on a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule. They are a busy department, with over 12,000 calls annually. Hiring is competitive and typically happens in cycles every 1-2 years.
2. Fulton County Fire & Rescue: While based in Atlanta, Fulton County serves unincorporated areas and has stations near Roswell. They offer a larger, county-wide system with more opportunities for specialization.
3. North Fulton County Fire Stations: Several smaller cities in the north Fulton area (like Sandy Springs, Johns Creek) have their own fire departments or contract with Fulton County. These are smaller, often with tighter-knit crews.
4. DeKalb County Fire & Rescue: Serving the eastern side of the metro, DeKalb also has a significant presence and may be an option if you live on the eastern side of Roswell.
5. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Large industrial or logistics facilities (like those along the I-575/I-75 corridors) sometimes have in-house fire teams. These are niche but can pay well.
6. State Fire Marshal’s Office: For those interested in fire investigation and prevention, the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s office has regional offices in the Atlanta area.
7. Airport Fire Services (Hartsfield-Jackson): A specialized and higher-paying role, though the commute from Roswell is significant (45-60 minutes). Requires ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) certification.

Hiring Trends: RFD and neighboring departments are facing a wave of retirements over the next decade, which aligns with the 4% job growth projection. They are actively seeking candidates with paramedic certifications, as EMS calls make up the majority of responses. There’s also a focus on diversity and community outreach.

Insider Tip: The key to getting hired is to get your EMT and Paramedic licenses before applying. While an EMT-Basic is the minimum, being a Paramedic makes you a top-tier candidate. Most departments, including RFD, will pay for your paramedic training if you’re already hired, but having it upfront is a massive advantage.

Getting Licensed in Georgia

Georgia has a straightforward but rigorous process for firefighters. Here’s the timeline and costs:

Step 1: Prerequisites

• Must be 18 years old (21 for some departments).
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Cost: $0 (fees for obtaining a license vary by state, but are minimal).

Step 2: Firefighter Certification (Georgia Fire Standards & Training)

• Complete the Firefighter I certification course, which is typically 200+ hours.
• This is often done through a technical college (like North Georgia Technical College or Georgia Piedmont Technical College) or through a department’s academy if you’re hired as a recruit.
• Cost: $1,500 - $2,500 if self-funded at a technical college. Often free if hired and attending the department’s academy.
• Timeline: 3-6 months (full-time) or 9-12 months (part-time/night classes).

Step 3: EMT/Paramedic Certification

• EMT-Basic: 150-200 hours. Cost: $500 - $1,500.
• Paramedic: 1,200+ hours. Cost: $5,000 - $12,000. This is a significant investment.
• Timeline: EMT (3-6 months), Paramedic (12-18 months).

Step 4: State Licensure

• After completing Firefighter I and EMT, you apply for state licensure through the Georgia Office of the State Fire Marshal.
• Cost: $150 (approx.) for initial licensure.
• Process: Submit application, pass background check, provide certification documents.

Step 5: CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)

• This is a standardized pass/fail test required by most departments. It involves stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, forcible entry, search, rescue drag, and ceiling breach.
• Cost: $25-$50 for test administration.
• Timeline: Prepare for 2-3 months of dedicated training.

Total Estimated Cost (Self-Funded): $7,000 - $15,000 and 1.5 - 2 years to become fully qualified before applying. This is why many seek departments that offer tuition reimbursement.

Insider Tip: Start with an EMT-Basic course at a local technical college like Chattahoochee Technical College. It’s affordable and a prerequisite for everything else. Network with instructors—they often have connections with local departments.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Choosing where to live in Roswell depends on your budget, lifestyle, and where your station is likely to be. The city is divided by Highway 400, with the west side being more established and the east side seeing newer growth.

1. Old Roswell/Westside (Established, Family-Friendly)

   • Commute: Very short to centrally located stations (like Station 1 on Canton Street). 5-10 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, historic homes, great schools, walkable to downtown’s restaurants and parks.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $1,900 (older complexes or small carriage houses). A 2BR roommate situation can be $1,100-$1,300 each.
   • Best For: Mid-career firefighters, those with families, or anyone wanting a classic Roswell experience.

2. East Roswell (Newer, More Affordable)

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to stations, but traffic on Hwy 400 can add time.
   • Lifestyle: Newer apartment complexes, more retail (like the Crabapple district), less historic charm.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,700. You get more square footage for your money here.
   • Best For: Entry-level firefighters, young professionals. Offers a better chance to stay under the $1,643 average.

3. Alpharetta (Adjacent, Upscale)

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Roswell stations.
   • Lifestyle: Similar to East Roswell but more upscale, excellent dining, and the Avalon shopping district.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,000+. Generally more expensive than Roswell.
   • Best For: Those with a higher budget or a dual income. Not ideal for a single, median-salary firefighter.

4. Woodstock (Affordable, Growing)

   • Commute: 25-35 minutes (against traffic in the morning, but heavy with traffic in the evening).
   • Lifestyle: Vibrant downtown, lower cost of living, strong community feel.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,550. Significantly more affordable.
   • Best For: Firefighters willing to commute to save on housing. Very popular with younger personnel.

Insider Tip: If you’re single and on a budget, look for roommate situations in the East Roswell or Woodstock areas. For a quieter, more established lifestyle, Old Roswell is unbeatable but comes at a premium. Always ask about parking—some older Roswell complexes have limited spots.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Roswell is a marathon, not a sprint. The 4% job growth over 10 years indicates that advancement is about filling retirements, not creating new roles, so you need a plan.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Specialties: RFD and neighboring departments offer pay incentives for certifications. A Paramedic can earn an additional $1,000 - $2,000/year. Specialists in HazMat, Technical Rescue, or ARFF can see similar bumps. Fire Investigators (often through the Fire Marshal’s office) can earn $65,000 - $75,000+.
• Rank Progression: The path is clear: Firefighter → Driver/Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion comes with a salary increase and more responsibility. Moving from Firefighter to Engineer is often the first major pay jump, pushing you from the $48,000 - $56,000 range into the $60,000+ range.
• Fire Science Degrees: Many departments offer tuition reimbursement. A degree in Fire Science or Public Administration from a local school like Kennesaw State University can open doors to command staff positions.

10-Year Outlook:
With the 4% growth, the market will be stable but competitive. Your key to longevity and advancement will be:

1. Obtaining Paramedic Certification: This is the single most important factor for promotion.
2. Building a Solid Reputation: Being reliable, physically fit, and a good team player is paramount in a 24-hour shift environment.
3. Networking: The firefighter community in North Fulton is tight-knit. Your reputation follows you.
4. Specializing: Once you have a few years in, pursue a specialty. It makes you invaluable and increases your pay.

Insider Tip: Don’t neglect your mental and physical health. The job is demanding. Roswell has excellent resources, including the Northside Hospital-Forsyth and Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, which are both level II trauma centers. Building a support system is part of the career.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Department: RFD is well-funded and has a good reputation.	High Housing Cost: Rent is the biggest financial challenge for a single firefighter.
Strong Benefits: The benefits package often outperforms the base salary.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle; public transport is limited.
Great Location: Access to Atlanta, nature, and amenities without the urban chaos.	Competitive Hiring: You need EMT-Basic at minimum, and Paramedic is highly preferred.
Diverse Call Volume: From medicals to structure fires, you’ll get a full experience.	Slower Career Growth: Advancement is tied to retirements.
Good Community: Roswell is a family-friendly, safe city.	Traffic: Commuting within the metro can be frustrating.

Final Recommendation:
Roswell is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and quality of life over maximizing salary. It’s particularly suited for:

• Mid-career professionals with a second income or savings.
• Firefighters with families who will benefit from the excellent schools and safe neighborhoods.
• Those willing to start as an EMT and work toward Paramedic to accelerate their career.

If you are a single, entry-level firefighter on a tight budget, you may struggle