Firefighter in Beaverton, OR

The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

As a local, I’ll give it to you straight: Beaverton isn’t the highest-paying city in Oregon for firefighters, but it’s a solid, stable market with a cost of living that’s manageable if you budget smart. The median salary for a firefighter here is $58,250/year, which breaks down to roughly $28.0/hour. That’s slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, a welcome margin that reflects Oregon’s generally higher public sector wages. However, it’s crucial to understand where you land on that scale based on experience.

Here’s how the salary typically breaks down within the local fire service:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $54,000	Initial training, basic suppression duties, assisting senior staff.
Mid-Level (5-10 years)	$58,250 - $68,000	Full operational duties, potential for driver/engineer, basic EMT skills.
Senior (10-15 years)	$70,000 - $82,000	Leadership roles (Lieutenant, Captain), advanced certifications, mentoring.
Expert/Specialist	$85,000+	Battalion Chief, Hazmat Technician, Fire Marshal, Training Chief.

When you compare Beaverton to other Oregon cities, context is key. Portland, just 10 miles east, has a higher cost of living and often offers $65,000+ for mid-career firefighters due to larger department budgets. Conversely, smaller cities like Hillsboro or Tigard may hover closer to the $55,000 - $62,000 range for similar experience. Beaverton strikes a balance—it’s not the top of the scale, but it’s a reliable market with consistent hiring from the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R), the primary agency serving the area.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. TVF&R and other local departments often have excellent benefits packages, including a 2.5% annual pension increase (PERS), which can add significantly to long-term compensation. Always factor in the full value of the offer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s crunch the numbers for a typical firefighter earning the median $58,250/year. After federal and state taxes (Oregon has a progressive income tax, roughly 8-9% for this bracket), your take-home pay is likely around $4,200/month. Now, subtract the average 1BR rent in Beaverton, which is $1,545/month. This leaves you with approximately $2,655/month for all other expenses.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Taxes (Fed & OR)	~$1,000	Based on single filer, no dependents.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,545	Can be lower in specific neighborhoods.
Utilities	$150	PGE for electricity/gas, Comcast for Internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Oregon has higher car insurance rates.
Food & Groceries	$400	Beaverton has competitive grocery prices (WinCo, Fred Meyer).
Miscellaneous	$300	Health co-pays, gear, leisure.
Total Expenses	~$3,845	Leaves a buffer of ~$355.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s a challenge, but not impossible. The median home price in Beaverton is roughly $550,000. With a $58,250 salary, you’d likely need a dual-income household to comfortably afford a mortgage here. However, the 10-year job growth of 4% in the metro area suggests stable employment, which is a positive factor for lenders. Consider starting in a more affordable neighborhood (see below) to build savings for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

The fire service here is dominated by one major player, but there are other opportunities to consider. The market has a finite number of positions—there are only 193 firefighting jobs in the entire Portland metro area—so competition can be stiff for openings.

1. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R): This is your primary employer. Serving Beaverton, Tigard, King City, and surrounding areas, TVF&R is a large, progressive agency with 27 fire stations. They run on a 24-hour-on, 48-hour-off schedule. Hiring trends: They typically open applications 1-2 times per year and are known for a rigorous, multi-step testing process (written exam, CPAT, oral board, background check). They prioritize candidates with EMT or Paramedic certifications.

2. Beaverton City Fire Department: While TVF&R handles most emergency responses, Beaverton maintains its own small fire department focused on community risk reduction and fire prevention. Jobs here are rare and often filled internally or by highly experienced specialists.

3. Washington County Fire Defense Board: This isn't a direct employer but coordinates resources across the county. They often manage specialized teams (Hazmat, Technical Rescue) that firefighters from TVF&R can join for additional pay and experience.

4. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) - Hillsboro Campus: Located just west of Beaverton, OHSU has its own fire protection and emergency response teams for its medical campuses. These roles blend firefighting with healthcare response and can be a unique career path.

5. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF): While not a city fire department, ODF hires seasonal and permanent wildland firefighters. The Tualatin River-area forests are a short drive away, and ODF often recruits from the Portland metro. This is a great way to gain experience and build a resume for a municipal position.

6. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Companies like Intel (with a massive campus in Hillsboro) and Nike (headquartered in Beaverton) maintain private fire and safety teams. These positions are highly competitive and often require specialized industrial firefighting certifications.

Hiring Trend Insight: The push for paramedic-level service is strong. Many departments, including TVF&R, are moving toward a "Firefighter/Medic" model. If you have or are willing to get your Paramedic license, your job prospects and earning potential increase dramatically.

Getting Licensed in OR

To work as a firefighter in Oregon, you need more than just a desire to help. The state has specific hoops to jump through, and starting early is key.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Firefighter I & II Certification: You must complete a state-approved Fire Academy program. The most common path is through Portland Community College (PCC) or Clackamas Community College. The intensive course typically takes 6-9 months full-time.
   • Cost: $4,000 - $6,000 (including gear, tuition, and fees). Some departments offer tuition reimbursement for hires.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: This is almost a non-negotiable prerequisite. You can get it through local community colleges or private academies.
   • Cost: $1,200 - $2,500.
3. Driver's License: A clean Oregon (or equivalent) driver's license is required.
4. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): This is a pass/fail standardized test with obstacles like stair climbs, hose drags, and ceiling breaches. It must be completed within 10 minutes and 20 seconds. You’ll train for this on your own or through a program.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-3: Get your EMT-B certification.
• Months 4-10: Complete Fire Academy (Firefighter I & II).
• Month 11+: Apply for jobs, take the CPAT, and go through oral boards.
• Pro Tip: Many academies have a waiting list. Apply early. Also, volunteering with a local fire department (like TVF&R's Community Emergency Response Team - CERT) can give you invaluable experience and a leg up in the hiring process.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Beaverton greatly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s take on the best areas for firefighters:

1. Central Beaverton / Downtown:

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most TVF&R stations. Excellent access to MAX light rail for off-days.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, diverse restaurants, and the Beaverton Central MAX hub. Quick access to Portland for nightlife.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800/month for a 1BR.

2. Southwest Beaverton (near Tualatin Valley Hwy):

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes. Heavily car-dependent but with good freeway access (Hwy 217).
   • Lifestyle: Quieter, suburban feel. Closer to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and the Tualatin River. More single-family homes and townhouses.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,650/month for a 1BR.

3. Aloha (West of Beaverton):

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to TVF&R stations. A bit more removed from the core.
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly, with good schools and a strong sense of community. Closer to the rural-urban fringe, which can be appealing for those who want more space.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.

4. Raleigh Hills (East, near Portland border):

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes. Exceptionally convenient for commuting to Portland for mutual aid calls or other jobs.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale, quiet, and highly desirable. Close to major shopping (Washington Square) and restaurants.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000/month for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: If you're on a tight budget, look for older apartment complexes in the "Cedar Hills" area. They're not as flashy but offer better square footage for your money and are still conveniently located.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighting career in Beaverton is not a dead-end job; it’s a ladder. The 4% 10-year job growth indicates stability, but advancement depends on your initiative.

• Specialty Premiums: Many departments offer stipends for advanced skills. At TVF&R, you can expect additional pay for:

  • Hazmat Technician: Additional $100-$200/month.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Water, Confined Space): Adds $75-$150/month.
  • Paramedic Certification: The biggest boost, often adding $200-$400/month to your base pay and opening doors to promotion.

• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter → Engineer (driving the truck) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion comes with a pay increase of roughly 8-12%. Specialized roles like Fire Marshal or Training Chief are alternative tracks that often start at the Captain level.

• 10-Year Outlook: The field is becoming more technical. The emphasis on wildland-urban interface firefighting (due to climate change) and paramedic services will shape future hiring. Firefighters who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and medically trained will have the best long-term prospects. The pension system is robust, making a 25-30 year career a very financially secure path.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: The fire service is essential, and TVF&R is a well-run, respected agency.	Competitive Hiring: Limited 193 jobs in the metro means you must be a top candidate.
Balanced Salary & Cost of Living: $58,250 goes further here than in Portland proper.	High Rent: The $1,545/month average rent can be a stretch on a single income.
Quality of Life: Excellent parks, schools, and food scene. A great place to raise a family.	Long Commutes (Potentially): If you live in Aloha or Raleigh Hills, commutes can add up.
Career Advancement: Clear paths for promotion and specialization with good pay bumps.	State Licensing Costs: The initial investment in EMT/Fire Academy ( $5,000+ ) is a barrier.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is an excellent choice for a mid-career firefighter (5-15 years of experience) looking for a stable, family-friendly environment with a manageable cost of living. It’s also a great starting point for a new academy graduate who is willing to budget carefully and invest in further certifications (like Paramedic) to accelerate their earning potential. If you’re seeking the absolute highest salary and don’t mind the hustle of a bigger city, look east to Portland. But if you value community, stability, and a balanced lifestyle, Beaverton is a smart, data-driven bet.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is it to get hired by TVF&R?
A: Very. With only 193 jobs in the metro and a 4% growth rate, openings attract hundreds of applicants. Having your EMT-B or, even better, your Paramedic license, and a clean background is essential.

Q: Is the Oregon salary enough for a family on a single income?
A: On the median $58,250, it would be very challenging. A dual-income household, even with one partner earning a lower wage, makes Beaverton much more feasible. The strong benefits and pension help long-term, but day-to-day budgeting is tight.

Q: Do I need to live in Beaverton to work there?
A: No, but it helps. Many firefighters live in Beaverton, Tigard, or Hillsboro for the commute. Living in the service area can give you a community connection, but it's not a hiring requirement.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for new firefighters moving to Oregon?
A: The initial cost and time investment in licensing. You need to budget several thousand dollars and 9-12 months before you can even apply. Also, adapting to the Pacific Northwest's wet climate and the specific challenges of wildland-urban interface fires.

Q: Are there part-time or volunteer opportunities to get my foot in the door?
A: Yes! TVF&R's CERT program is a great volunteer opportunity. Also, look into wildland firefighting with the Oregon Department of Forestry for seasonal work. These experiences are invaluable and look great on an application.