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Verified by MS Board of Public Safety

Firefighter Licensing in Mississippi

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Choice of state or third-party exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Mississippi

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Choice of state or third-party exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    MS State Board of Contractors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $36,980 median (38% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Choice of state or third-party exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to MS State Board of Contractors and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Mississippi

With a median salary of $36,980, Firefighters in Mississippi earn 38% below the national median of $59,530. Mississippi ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.5%

Average Weekly Wage

$999

Median annual salary

$36,980

Hourly estimate

$17.78
38% below national median

Difference: -$22,550

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$27,070
  • P2525th percentile$29,810
  • P50Median$36,980
  • P7575th percentile$45,010
  • P9090th percentile$54,030

State vs National Median

State: $36,980
National: $59,530

Total employment: 2,630 | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$93,490
#2New York$88,380
#3New Jersey$87,660
#4California$83,400
#5Illinois$79,080

Nearby States Comparison

Firefighter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Mississippi$36,980No educational requirementsChoice of state or third-party examVaries by board
Tennessee$47,300No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$47,490Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-18 years
Louisiana$33,700Varies by state boardState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$42,100Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-18 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
Louisiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

MS State Board of Contractors

2706 Crane Ridge Dr, Jackson, MS, 39216

Phone: 6013546161

Related Careers in Mississippi

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$36,710Degree requiredVaries by board
Police Officer$45,610Degree requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$29,710Degree requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Mississippi?

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 Mississippi?

Mississippi lists Choice of state or third-party exam as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.

What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Mississippi?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Firefighter licensure in Mississippi.

What is the typical Firefighter salary in Mississippi?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in Mississippi is $36,980. Salaries range from $27,070 (10th percentile) to $54,030 (90th percentile).

How does the Firefighter salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Mississippi earn 38% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $36,980.

How many Firefighters work in Mississippi?

Mississippi employs approximately 2,630 Firefighters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Mississippi from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Mississippi?

The licensing agency is MS State Board of Contractors. Review agency details at https://www.msboc.us/.

How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Mississippi?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.