Application Fee
See agencyVerified by LA Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Louisiana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Louisiana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Experience: No experience required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 3
License Type: Tied to business.
- 4
License required for portable fire extinguisher contractor, Class A certificate of registration, Class A Employee License, and Class A Trainee License.
- 5
Must take the Fire Marshall exam for portable fire extinguishers and score 75 percent or better in order to be licensed as an employee.
- 6
Firm must have at least one qualifier per endorsement held.
- 7
Individual license holders must meet all training, testing and certification requirements.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate of registration, Class A Employee License, and Class A Trainee License
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections • Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$33,700 median (43% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Individual license holders must meet all training, testing and certification requirements.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; License required for portable fire extinguisher contractor, Class A certificate of registration, Class A Employee License, and Class A Tr...).
- 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections~Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Louisiana
With a median salary of $33,700, Firefighters in Louisiana earn 43% below the national median of $59,530. Louisiana ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,176Median annual salary
$33,700Hourly estimate
$16.2043% below national median
Difference: -$25,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $33,700 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $42,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $36,980 | No educational requirements | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Texas | $60,840 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections • Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
8181 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70806
Phone: 2259257045
Related Careers in Louisiana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $41,820 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $50,580 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $31,660 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | 6 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Louisiana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Louisiana?
Louisiana lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Louisiana?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Louisiana is $33,700. Salaries range from $23,320 (10th percentile) to $52,080 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Louisiana earn 43% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $33,700.
How many Firefighters work in Louisiana?
Louisiana employs approximately 4,690 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Louisiana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Louisiana?
The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections / Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal. Review agency details at http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Louisiana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.