Firefighter in Amarillo, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Amarillo Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a career analyst, I look at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market reports. For Firefighters in the Amarillo metro, the financial picture is defined by one number: $55,543/year. That's the median salary. If you're paid hourly, it breaks down to $26.7/hour.

Now, how does that compare? Nationally, the median for firefighters is $57,120/year, so Amarillo sits just slightly below the average. It’s not a drastic gap, but it’s a data point to note. The key context here is Amarillo's cost of living. The index is 90.8, meaning it's about 9.2% cheaper than the national average. That lower cost of living helps your dollar stretch further than it would in, say, Houston or Dallas.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$45,000 - $50,000	EMT/Paramedic duties, apparatus maintenance, basic suppression, vehicle operation.
Mid-Level (5-10 years)	$55,543 (Median) - $65,000	Advanced life support, technical rescue, training new recruits, acting as a driver/ engineer.
Senior (10-15 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Company officer, training officer, specialized certifications (Hazmat, Technical Rescue).
Expert (15+ years)	$75,000+	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, Deputy Chief. Requires advanced degrees and extensive experience.

When you compare Amarillo to other Texas metros, the context becomes clearer. Major cities like Austin or Dallas often offer higher base salaries, but their average rents can be double or triple what you'll find here. In Amarillo, the 1BR rent average is $879/month. A firefighter earning the median salary of $55,543 can realistically spend about 25% of their gross income on housing, which is considered affordable. In a high-cost metro, that same salary would be severely strained.

Insider Tip: The bulk of a firefighter's income in Amarillo isn't just the base salary. It's the overtime, special duty pay, and potential for promotion. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4% for the metro area, which is steady, not explosive. This means competition for positions is consistent, and seniority matters. The 406 jobs in the metro (including surrounding counties) indicate a stable, but not hyper-competitive, market. You’re not fighting a thousand applicants for one spot, but you are competing with a dedicated local pool.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a firefighter earning the median $55,543/year. We'll factor in estimated taxes and Amarillo's low rent. (Note: These are estimates; actual take-home depends on benefits, retirement contributions, and individual tax situations).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $55,543 / 12 = $4,628.58
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100 (approx. 24% effective rate)
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $3,528.58
• Rent (1BR Average): -$879
• Utilities (Est.): -$150
• Insurance (Car/Health): -$250
• Groceries & Essentials: -$350
• Car Payment/Gas (Average): -$350
• Misc. & Savings: Remaining ~$1,549

This is a healthy budget. The low cost of living allows for significant savings or discretionary spending. The real question is homeownership.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Amarillo hovers around $180,000 - $220,000. With a 20% down payment on a $200,000 home ($40,000), a mortgage (at current rates) would be roughly $1,000-$1,200/month. This is only slightly higher than the average rent. Given the budget surplus shown above, a firefighter at the median salary can aggressively save for a down payment and comfortably manage a mortgage. This is a stark contrast to metros like Austin, where the median home price is over $500,000.

Where the Jobs Are: Amarillo's Major Employers

Firefighting in Amarillo is primarily a municipal service. While volunteer options exist in surrounding rural areas, the paid, full-time positions with structured pay scales and benefits are with the city and county.

1. Amarillo Fire Department (AFD): The largest employer by far. AFD runs 16 stations across the city, protecting a population of over 200,000. They have a strong focus on community risk reduction (fire prevention) and advanced life support. Hiring is done through the city's civil service process, which is competitive but transparent. AFD is known for its technical rescue team (USAR) and its response to the significant industrial base in the area.

2. Potter County: The county sheriff's office operates its own fire department for unincorporated areas and provides mutual aid to AFD. These jobs can be a great entry point, though they may have slightly different pay structures than the city.

3. Amarillo College Fire Academy: While not a direct employer for line firefighters, it's the primary training ground. The college's Fire Protection Technology program is a feeder into both AFD and surrounding departments. They also offer continuing education and certification courses for incumbent firefighters, which is crucial for advancement.

4. Texas Forest Service (Regional Office): Located in the Panhandle, the Texas A&M Forest Service has a regional office that coordinates wildfire response. They hire seasonal and full-time positions for firefighters and related roles, especially during peak fire season (spring/early summer). This is a different career track, often involving more wildland fire suppression and less structure fire response.

5. Baptist St. Anthony's Health System (BSA): BSA, now part of the BSA Health System, operates a hospital in Amarillo. While they don't employ firefighters, they are a critical partner. AFD and BSA have a close relationship, and many firefighters are also certified Paramedics who work for private ambulance services like Acadian Ambulance. This dual certification is a common and lucrative path in the area.

6. Acadian Ambulance: A major provider of EMS services in Texas. Many aspiring firefighters in Amarillo work as EMTs/Paramedics with Acadian to gain experience and build a resume before applying to AFD. It's a practical insider tip: having your EMT or Paramedic license before applying to AFD can put you ahead of the curve.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is cyclical and depends on retirements. AFD typically opens applications in batches. The 4% job growth over 10 years means openings will be there, but you need to be ready when they post. The process is rigorous: written exam, physical ability test, oral board interview, background check, and medical/psychological evaluation. It often takes 4-6 months from application to academy start.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a state-level firefighter certification board. Instead, certifications are handled through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) or the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for peace officers. Here’s the path:

1. Basic Firefighter Certification: You must complete a TCFP-approved Basic Firefighter Certification course. This is typically a 300+ hour course (often paired with an EMT-Basic course in a full-time academy). Amarillo College offers a highly respected program. Cost: Approximately $2,500 - $4,000 for tuition and fees, not including gear or books.
2. EMT/Paramedic License: Most departments, including AFD, prefer or require EMT-Basic certification. Having a Paramedic license is a significant advantage. The EMT-B course is about 150 hours. Paramedic is an additional 1,200+ hours. Cost: EMT-B ~$1,200; Paramedic ~$8,000 - $12,000 (but many fire departments will pay for this training once you're hired).
3. State Fire Certification (TCFP): After completing the course, you must pass the TCFP state certification exam. There is a fee for the exam (around $150).
4. Peace Officer License (TCOLE): Some departments, like those in unincorporated areas, may require or prefer you to have a Texas Peace Officer License (TCOLE). This requires completing a Peace Officer Academy (approx. 600 hours) and passing state exams. This is not required for AFD but can be beneficial for specialized roles.

Timeline: From zero to hireable can take 6-18 months. An accelerated academy can get you Firefighter I/II and EMT-B in 6 months. A full-time Paramedic program can take 12-18 months. The smart move is to start your EMT-Basic course while applying for fire jobs. It shows commitment and you may be hired as a "firefighter-in-training."

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Amarillo is a sprawling city. Commutes are generally easy, but living near your station (or a central station) has benefits. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, based on lifestyle and proximity to fire stations.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to AFD Stations
South Amarillo (Soncy/45th)	Family-friendly, newer homes, excellent schools. Commute to downtown is 15-20 min.	$900 - $1,100	Multiple stations nearby (e.g., Station 6, 7). Central for many assignments.
Central (Buchanan/Paramount)	Historic, walkable, mix of older homes and apartments. Close to downtown dining.	$750 - $950	Very close to HQ (Station 1) and other downtown stations. Short, easy commutes.
North Amarillo (Soncy/34th)	Affordable, close to shopping (Soncy corridor), moderate traffic.	$800 - $1,000	Good access to northern stations (Station 2, 3).
Southwest (Hillside/Sunset)	Quiet, residential, more established neighborhoods.	$850 - $1,050	Commute to western stations (Station 5, 8) is very short.
East Amarillo (Eastern Loop)	More affordable, mix of older and newer developments. Can be further from central command.	$700 - $900	Commute to downtown or western stations can be 25-35 min.

Insider Tip: AFD uses a 24-hour on/48-hour off shift schedule. This means you spend 24 consecutive hours at the station. Living within a 15-minute drive is ideal for checking on your home or family during your 48 hours off, especially if you have young children. Central or South Amarillo offers the best balance of commute and lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Amarillo isn't stagnant. The 10-year outlook is stable, with growth coming from retirements and potential expansion of services.

• Specialty Premiums: AFD offers pay incentives for holding advanced certifications. This can include:
  • Paramedic Certification: A significant pay bump, often $5,000-$7,000 annually.
  • Technical Rescue Specialist (Hazmat, Confined Space, High-Angle): Additional stipends.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: Leads to higher pay and a different schedule.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Driver/Engineer: Operates the fire apparatus, often after 2-3 years of experience.
  2. Captain (Company Officer): Leads a crew of 3-4 firefighters. Requires 5+ years and a promotional exam.
  3. Battalion Chief: Oversees 3-4 stations. Requires 10-15+ years, advanced education (often a Bachelor's degree), and a competitive exam.
• External Opportunities: With your TCFP certification, you can also move into industrial firefighting for the vast Petrochemical industry in the surrounding area (e.g., Phillips 66 in Borger, ~30 min away) or with the Texas Forest Service. This can be a path to higher pay but with different risks and schedules.

The Verdict: Is Amarillo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $55,543 salary feels like much more here.	Below-National-Average Salary: You will earn less than in major metros.
Affordable Homeownership: You can realistically buy a home early in your career.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer cultural options, less diverse food scene.
Stable Job Market with 4% Growth: Predictable hiring, strong community ties.	Flat Job Growth: Not a boomtown for firefighting; advancement requires seniority.
24/48 Shift Schedule: Ample time off for family, hobbies, or side work.	Panhandle Weather: Blizzards in winter, extreme heat and wind in summer.
Strong Sense of Community: Amarillo is a close-knit, traditional city.	Can Feel Isolated: It's far from other major metros (6-8 hours to Dallas).

Final Recommendation:
Amarillo is an exceptional choice for a firefighter seeking financial stability, homeownership, and a strong community without the intense competition and high costs of major metros. It’s ideal for those who prioritize lifestyle balance (thanks to the 24/48 schedule) and want to build a life early in their career. If you are motivated by high salary potential above all else and crave constant access to big-city amenities, you might find Amarillo limiting. But if you value affordability, a manageable pace of life, and being able to buy a house on a firefighter's salary, Amarillo is one of the best markets in the U.S.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is hiring at the Amarillo Fire Department?
A: It's competitive but manageable. The process is rigorous, but the applicant pool is typically in the hundreds, not thousands. Having your EMT-Basic or Paramedic license significantly improves your chances. The 4% job growth indicates steady, predictable hiring.

Q: Do I need to live in Amarillo before applying?
A: No, you do not have to be a resident to apply. However, you will need to establish residency within a certain timeframe after being hired (typically 6-12 months). It's not a requirement for the initial application or testing.

Q: What is the 24/48 shift schedule like?
A: You work 24 hours straight at the fire station, followed by 48 hours off. This means you're on duty about 10 days a month. It allows for significant time off, but you do work weekends, holidays, and nights. The schedule is a major lifestyle factor, not a standard 9-5.

Q: Is the Amarillo Fire Department a "busy" department?
A: AFD responds to a mix of structure fires, medical calls (often over 70% of calls), motor vehicle accidents, and specialized rescues. The call volume is moderate compared to larger cities. The Panhandle's industrial base and frequent high winds can create unique challenges, but it's not the constant, high-volume chaos of a major metro department.

Q: Can I transfer my certification from another state?
A: Texas has reciprocity, but it's not automatic. You will need to contact the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) to submit your out-of-state credentials for evaluation. They may require you to take supplemental courses or pass the state exam. It's best to start this process well before moving.