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Firefighter Salary in Athens, GA

How much does a firefighter make in Athens? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Athens's cost of living.

Median Salary
$51,608
per year in Athens
Entry Level
$31,143
Starting salary
Senior Level
$72,963
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
95
5% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Athens.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$31,143$51,608$72,963
Monthly$2,595$4,301$6,080
Biweekly$1,198$1,985$2,806
Weekly$599$992$1,403
Hourly$15$25$35

Athens vs National Average

How Athens's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Athens Salary
$51,608
COL Index: 95
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,752
Lower in Athens

Cost of Living in Athens

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$36,520
per year
Population
127,064
residents
Rent % of Income
36.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 95 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Athens have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+104%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+92%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+71%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+16%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+19%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Athens.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Athens, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Athens, GA is $51,608 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Athens's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Athens can expect to earn around $31,143 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $72,963 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Athens's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Athens are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Athens typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 25.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Athens, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.