Firefighter in Savannah, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

As a Savannah local who’s watched fire stations anchor our neighborhoods for decades, I can tell you this: firefighting here is a stable, community-rooted career. The salary won’t make you rich overnight, but it’s competitive for the region and comes with solid benefits. Let’s break down the numbers.

Median Salary: $56,366/year
Hourly Rate: $27.1/hour
National Average: $57,120/year
Jobs in Metro: 295
10-Year Job Growth: 4%

Savannah’s firefighter salary sits just below the national average—a common pattern for coastal Southern cities where cost of living is slightly lower. The 4% job growth projection over the next decade is modest but steady, reflecting our stable municipal budgets and consistent demand for emergency services. With 295 jobs in the metro area, opportunities exist across the City of Savannah Fire Department, Chatham County, and neighboring jurisdictions.

Here’s how experience levels typically break down in Savannah’s fire service. Note that these are generalized ranges based on local pay scales and BLS data for the region; individual departments may vary.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

Experience Level	Typical Savannah Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic suppression, EMT duties, station maintenance, training drills.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$56,000 - $65,000	Line firefighter, driver/operator, specialized rescue technician.
Senior (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Company officer, fire investigator, training officer, hazmat specialist.
Expert (15+ years)	$75,000 - $95,000+	Battalion chief, fire marshal, public information officer, union leadership.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes with a significant pay bump when you promote to company officer. In Savannah, that promotion also comes with access to specialized equipment and a more direct role in community planning.

How Savannah Stacks Up Against Other Georgia Cities

Savannah’s firefighter pay is competitive within Georgia, especially when factoring in cost of living. Here’s a quick comparison using BLS Metro Area data.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Take-Home Value
Savannah, GA	$56,366	95.6	High
Atlanta, GA	$58,950	104.1	Moderate
Augusta, GA	$53,200	88.2	High
Columbus, GA	$52,800	87.5	High

Analysis: While Atlanta offers a slightly higher nominal salary, its 104.1 cost of living index erodes that advantage. Savannah’s 95.6 index means your $56,366 goes further here than in the state capital. Compared to Augusta or Columbus, Savannah’s salary is higher and the city offers a unique historic and coastal lifestyle that some find worth the trade-off.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after taxes and housing—the two biggest chunks of your budget. For this breakdown, we’ll use the median salary of $56,366 and Savannah’s average 1BR rent of $1,287/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Firefighter Earning $56,366

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,697	($56,366 / 12)
Federal/State Taxes	-$850	Approx. 18% effective rate (varies by filing status).
Retirement (GA PERS)	-$350	9% mandatory contribution for safety employees.
Health Insurance	-$200	Varies by plan; often subsidized by employer.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,287	Savannah average.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	-$180	Moderated by efficient coastal climate.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	$350 payment + $100 insurance (no state inspection needed).
Groceries & Household	-$400
Personal & Discretionary	-$300
Net Monthly (Savings/Debt)	~$677

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in the Savannah metro is approximately $285,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($57,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would run about $1,450/month (including taxes/insurance). This is $163 more than the average rent. For a single-income household at the median salary, this is tight. However, many Savannah firefighters achieve home ownership through:

1. Dual-income households (common in the area).
2. Buying in more affordable suburbs (see neighborhoods below).
3. Utilizing first-time homebuyer programs through the City of Savannah or Chatham County.

Insider Tip: Many local lenders are familiar with firefighter schedules and benefits, which can help streamline the mortgage process. Georgia’s First-Time Homebuyer Programs often have lower down payment requirements, which can be a better fit for a firefighter’s budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

The firefighting job market in Savannah is dominated by public agencies. Private industrial firefighting exists but is niche. Here’s your employer breakdown.

1. Savannah Fire Department (City of Savannah): The largest employer with ~295 sworn positions. Covers the historic district, downtown, and major residential areas like Midtown and the Southside. Known for its historic apparatus (some still in use from the 1970s) and high call volume. Hiring cycles are annual, typically in the spring.
2. Chatham County Fire Department: Covers unincorporated areas, including parts of the Southside, Pooler, and the islands. Often seen as a slightly less intense call volume than the city, but with a vast and growing jurisdiction. Considered a good balance for those wanting to avoid the historic district’s traffic.
3. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (ASO): A specialized agency providing ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting). Requires additional certification and offers a different pace (more drills, fewer structure fires). Pay is often slightly higher than municipal fire, with shift work based on flight schedules.
4. Gulfstream Aerospace: A major local employer with an on-site, industrial fire brigade. This is a private-sector role, focusing on hangar and facility safety. It’s a 9-to-5-style job with different benefits, appealing to those who want a more predictable schedule.
5. Candler Hospital / St. Joseph's/Candler (Memorial Health): While not a traditional fire department, these large health systems have hospital safety officers and sometimes engineers who work closely with local fire departments. It’s a potential lateral move for those looking to transition into healthcare safety.
6. Port of Savannah (Georgia Ports Authority): While not a fire department, the port’s safety and security division is a critical public safety partner. Some firefighters with hazmat or industrial firefighting experience find opportunities here.

Hiring Trends: The City of Savannah Fire Department is actively working to modernize its fleet and equipment, which sometimes leads to specialized hiring (e.g., for Technical Rescue Teams). The growth of the Southside and Pooler has driven demand for Chatham County Fire. Insider Tip: All these agencies are part of the Georgia Firefighters Standards & Training Council (GFSTC). Getting your GFSTC certification first is a huge advantage.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia’s process is straightforward but requires dedication. The Georgia Firefighters Standards & Training Council (GFSTC) is the governing body.

Step-by-Step Requirements & Costs:

1. Basic Firefighter Certification (FF I & II): You must complete a state-approved academy. This is typically a 14-week, 460-hour program. Cost: $3,500 - $5,000. Some departments (like Savannah Fire) may sponsor recruits through their own academy, waiving the cost.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: Almost all Georgia departments require EMT-B. This is a separate course, often 150 hours. Cost: $1,200 - $1,800. Many community colleges in the Savannah area (like Savannah Technical College) offer this.
3. State Certification Exam: After completing both, you must pass the GFSTC exam. Exam fee: $150.
4. National Registry: While not always required, many get NREMT for portability. Fee: $170.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-4: Enroll in an EMT program (can be done while working another job).
• Months 5-9: Complete Fire Academy (often full-time).
• Months 10-11: Apply to departments, take exams, and complete physicals.
• Month 12+: Enter a probationary period (usually 6-12 months).

Total Estimated Cost (if self-funded): $5,000 - $7,000
Total Time (from start to sworn in): 12-18 months.

Insider Tip: Savannah Technical College and Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus) have excellent, respected EMT and Fire Science programs. Starting there is often the best path for locals.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Savannah drastically affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are neighborhoods and areas that fire crews often choose.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute Considerations	Typical 1BR Rent
Midtown	The Sweet Spot. Close to downtown stations (5-10 min drive), established residential feel, good mix of older homes and apartments. Walkable to parks like Daffin.	$1,100 - $1,400
Southside	Suburban & Affordable. 20-30 min commute to downtown stations, but often closer to Chatham County stations. Newer apartments, big-box stores, easy access to I-95/16.	$1,000 - $1,300
Pooler	Growing & Family-Friendly. 30-40 min commute to downtown, but home to the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport (ARFF jobs) and growing Chatham County stations. More space, newer homes.	$1,050 - $1,350
Windsor Forest / Montgomery St. Corridor	Quiet & Established. 15-20 min commute to downtown. Older, affordable apartments and duplexes. Popular with younger firefighters and those who want a quieter life.	$900 - $1,200
The Islands (Wilmington, Whitemarsh, Tybee)	Unique & Commute-Heavy. 25-45 min commute (often through traffic). Seasonal community feel, beach access. Rent on Tybee can be high; Wilmington/Whitemarsh are more reasonable.	$1,200 - $1,600

Insider Tip: Many firefighters work on the Southside or Chatham County side and live in Pooler or Southside to minimize commute. If you’re aiming for City of Savannah Fire, look at Midtown or Windsor Forest for the shortest drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Savannah isn’t just about fighting fires; it’s about specialization and leadership. The path is clear, but it requires proactive effort.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Driver/Operator: A pay bump for operating the pump on engines/ladders.
• Specializations: Getting certified in Technical Rescue (Heavy Rescue, Confined Space, Rope), Hazmat Technician, or Fire Investigator can lead to premium pay and assignment to specialty units. Savannah’s proximity to ports and industry makes Hazmat skills particularly valuable.
• Promotion to Officer: The biggest jump. Requires passing promotional exams, often a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience), and strong leadership skills. Officers oversee companies and manage incidents.
• Admin & Investigator Tracks: For those who want less operational time, the Fire Marshal’s office or Public Information Officer roles offer a different long-term path.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth is steady. With Savannah’s port expanding and population growing, demand will hold. The key trend is increased specialization. The fire service is moving towards tech-driven response (drones for search, advanced extrication tools). Firefighters who embrace this—getting trained on new tech and pursuing certifications—will be the most promotable. Union strength (IAFF Local 574) ensures wages and benefits keep pace with inflation.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong sense of community and historic pride.	Summer humidity can be brutal during drills/shifts.
Stable, unionized jobs with good benefits (GA PERS).	Traffic is a major factor, especially during tourist season.
Lower cost of living vs. national average.	Housing market is rising; buying a home is a stretch on a single median income.
Unique coastal lifestyle—beaches, rivers, and historic charm.	Call volume in the city can be high, leading to demanding shifts.
Clear career path with good training opportunities.	Salary is slightly below the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Savannah is an excellent choice for a firefighter seeking a tight-knit community, historic culture, and a manageable cost of living. It’s ideal for those with a partner’s income or who are willing to start in a more affordable apartment (like in Windsor Forest) to build savings. If your priority is maximizing salary and you’re single-income focused, a larger city like Atlanta might offer a higher ceiling. But for a balanced life with a strong sense of place, Savannah’s fire service is a solid, rewarding career. If you can get hired by the City of Savannah or Chatham County, you’ll have a career as stable as our moss-draped oaks.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get hired by the Savannah Fire Department?
It’s competitive, but not impossible. The process includes a written exam, CPAT (physical test), oral board interview, background check, and medical/psychological eval. Insider Tip: Having your EMT-B certification before applying is a huge advantage and often required. Local candidates from Savannah Technical College’s programs are well-regarded.

2. What’s the retirement like in Georgia?
Savannah firefighters are part of the Georgia Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). As a safety employee, you can retire at age 50 with 10 years of service, or at any age with 25 years of service. The pension is calculated based on your average salary and years of service.

3. Do I need a college degree?
Not to start. A high school diploma and EMT/Fire certifications are the minimum. However, a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field is often required for promotion to Lieutenant or higher. Many fire departments offer tuition assistance.

4. How does the shift schedule work?
Most departments, including Savannah and Chatham County, use a 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule. Some variations exist (e.g., 48/96). This schedule is great for side jobs or family time but can disrupt sleep patterns.

5. What’s the community like? Will I fit in?
Savannah is a deeply Southern, historic city with a diverse population. The fire service is traditionally a tight-knit, family-like culture. If you value community, respect for history, and a slower pace of life (outside of the emergency call), you’ll fit in. It’s less cosmopolitan than Atlanta, but rich in character.