Firefighter in Cedar Park, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Cedar Park Stands

If you're a firefighter eyeing Cedar Park, the first thing you need to understand is the local pay scale. It’s a solid middle-ground market—competitive but not top-tier like some major metros. Based on the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local compensation surveys, here’s the breakdown.

The median salary for firefighters in Cedar Park is $56,708/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $27.26/hour. It’s just a hair below the national average of $57,120/year, meaning Cedar Park offers a very typical wage for the profession. The local market is tight, with 157 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't a boomtown for new positions, but it’s stable. You’re looking at a market with steady openings due to retirements and population growth, rather than explosive expansion.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00	Typically starts at the bottom of the city/county pay scale.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$54,000 - $62,000	$25.96 - $29.81	Where most of the $56,708 median falls.
Senior Firefighter (10-19 years)	$63,000 - $72,000	$30.29 - $34.62	Often includes specialty pay or seniority steps.
Expert/Officer (20+ years)	$73,000 - $85,000+	$35.10 - $40.87	Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief roles.

When comparing Cedar Park to other Texas cities, it’s clear this is a strategic middle market. It’s not competing with the high cost of living in Austin or Dallas, but it also doesn’t have the same salary ceiling. For a firefighter with a family, the trade-off is often worth it. You get a more manageable commute, access to excellent schools in the Leander Independent School District (LISD), and a quieter lifestyle than the core Austin metro.

Insider Tip: The real financial power here comes from overtime and specialty pay. Cedar Park Fire Department (CPFD) and surrounding agencies often have opportunities for EMT/Paramedic certification bonuses, technical rescue team pay, and hazardous materials stipends. These can easily add $5,000 - $10,000+ to your annual base salary. It’s not uncommon for a mid-career firefighter with a few specialties to push their total compensation over $65,000.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $56,708 annual salary breaks down to roughly $4,725 per month before taxes. In Texas, there’s no state income tax, which is a significant boost. Your primary deductions will be federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). For a single filer, you can expect to take home about $3,800 - $4,000 per month after these withholdings.

Now, let’s layer in Cedar Park’s cost of living. The average rent for a 1BR apartment is $1,220/month. The local Cost of Living Index is 97.6, meaning it’s slightly cheaper than the national average (100). Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,220	A decent, modern unit in a safe area.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity (AC is key in summer), internet, water.
Groceries	$400	For one person; can be lower with meal prep.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450 - $600	Highly variable. A modest used car is common.
Fuel	$150	Commuting to the station, errands.
Health Insurance	$200 - $300	If not fully covered by the department.
Miscellaneous	$300	Phone, personal care, entertainment.
Savings/Debt	$500 - $700	Student loans, retirement, emergency fund.
TOTAL	$3,370 - $3,770	Leaves a tight to comfortable margin.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Cedar Park hovers around $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,300 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). For a single earner at the $56,708 median, that’s about 48% of their pre-tax income—well above the recommended 28-30% threshold. It’s not impossible, but it’s a significant stretch without a dual income.

Insider Tip: Many Cedar Park firefighters buy homes in the suburbs like Liberty Hill or Bertram, where prices are lower. Others wait until they reach senior level or marry to purchase. Renting for the first few years is the most common and financially prudent path.

Where the Jobs Are: Cedar Park's Major Employers

The job market for firefighters in Cedar Park and the immediate area is dominated by a few key public agencies. Hiring is typically periodic, tied to retirements and budget cycles.

1. Cedar Park Fire Department (CPFD): The largest employer in the city itself. CPFD serves a population of over 78,000 and operates from several stations. They are a modern, progressive department with a focus on community risk reduction. Hiring is competitive; they often look for candidates with EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification. Check their website for "Career Opportunities" and sign up for job alerts.

2. Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 5 (WCSO): This is a major player. They contract with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for fire services in unincorporated areas and some smaller cities. They often have multiple stations and are a frequent source of openings, especially for those with a few years of experience. Their pay scale is very competitive with CPFD.

3. Leander Fire Department: Just east of Cedar Park, Leander is a fast-growing city. Their 10-year job growth mirrors the region's expansion. They offer a solid benefits package and are known for investing in training. The commute from Cedar Park to Leander stations is typically only 10-15 minutes.

4. Round Rock Fire Department: A larger, more urban department to the southeast (about a 20-25 minute drive). They have more specialized units (airport, hazmat) and thus more avenues for advancement and specialty pay. A good option for firefighters wanting a busier response area.

5. Austin Fire Department (AFD): The ultimate "big city" option, about a 30-45 minute commute depending on traffic. The pay is higher (median ~$65,000+), but the cost of living in Austin is significantly higher, and the pace is intense. Many Cedar Park residents work for AFD and make the commute for the career opportunities.

6. Private/Industrial Fire Brigades: Companies like Dell Technologies (headquartered in Round Rock) and other large facilities in the tech corridor maintain their own fire brigades or have dedicated safety officers with firefighter backgrounds. These are niche but well-paying roles.

Hiring Trends: The region is experiencing steady, not explosive, growth. The most common openings are for line firefighters. The biggest demand is for EMT/Paramedics. If you have your paramedic license, you are a highly sought-after candidate. The trend is towards hiring full-time career staff rather than relying heavily on volunteers in these specific urban areas.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear, structured path to certification. The process is managed by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP).

Requirements:

1. Basic Certification: You must complete a state-approved Basic Firefighter Certification program (typically 400+ hours). Many community colleges in the area offer this, like Austin Community College (ACC) or Temple College.
2. EMT Certification: In Texas, Firefighter I & II certification is often bundled with EMT-Basic training. Having your EMT is almost a prerequisite for full-time employment. Paramedic is a major advantage.
3. Physical Fitness: You must pass a candidate physical ability test (CPAT), which is standardized nationwide.
4. Background Check: A clean criminal record is essential.

Cost & Timeline:

• Cost: A full Fire Science/EMT-B program at a community college can cost $3,000 - $6,000 for in-state tuition. Paramedic school is an additional $8,000 - $15,000. Many departments offer tuition reimbursement or have partnerships with local colleges.
• Timeline: From starting a program to being hired can take 12-24 months. This includes completing the certification, passing the CPAT, applying to departments, and going through their hiring process (written test, oral board, background check, medical exam).

Insider Tip: If you are already a certified firefighter from another state, Texas has reciprocity through the TCFP. You’ll need to apply for certification by examination, which may involve a shorter course to cover Texas-specific laws and standards. Start this process 6 months before you move.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Cedar Park and its surrounding suburbs offer a range of neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

1. Cedar Park (Central - "The Heart"): Proximity to the main fire stations (like Station 1 on RR 1431), shopping, and the community center. Expect older, established homes and newer apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $1,250 - $1,400. Commute to Station 1: <10 min.

2. Lakeline / The Park at Vista Ridge: East side, near the large shopping mall and the major I-35 access point. Great for those who might work in Leander or Round Rock. Many newer apartment complexes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,300 - $1,500. Commute to most stations: 10-15 min.

3. Anderson Mill / Westwood: Northwest Austin, technically in Austin ISD but adjacent to Cedar Park. More affordable housing, a bit older, but a quick commute. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,300. Commute to Cedar Park stations: 15-20 min.

4. Liberty Hill: A growing suburb northwest of Cedar Park. More single-family homes, great schools, and a quieter feel. You’ll get more house for your money, but it’s a longer commute. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,200 (if available; more common for families to rent houses). Commute to Cedar Park stations: 20-25 min.

5. Leander (East Side): Just across the county line. Very similar to Cedar Park, with a nice downtown and excellent schools. Rent for a 1BR: $1,150 - $1,300. Commute to Cedar Park stations: 10-15 min.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Cedar Park, career growth is predictable and tied to seniority, certifications, and promotions.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, adding an EMT-B or Paramedic certification is the fastest way to increase your base pay. Technical rescue (rope/water/confined space) and hazardous materials (HazMat) certifications also come with small annual stipends.
• Advancement Paths: The standard ladder is Firefighter → Engineer (driving the truck) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step comes with a significant pay increase. Promotion typically requires 3-5 years at the previous rank, plus passing promotional exams and assessments.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 4% job growth rate, new positions will open steadily. The biggest opportunities will be in leadership and specialized roles. The region’s investment in infrastructure (new stations, updated apparatus) suggests a stable future for the profession. However, the growth isn’t fast enough to rely on moving up quickly without proactive career management—getting those certifications early is key.

The Verdict: Is Cedar Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, professional work environment with competitive benefits.	Limited number of jobs (157 in metro) means competition is moderate.
Lower cost of living than Austin proper, especially for housing.	Median salary ($56,708) is slightly below national average.
Excellent public schools (LISD) if you have or plan a family.	Buying a home on a single firefighter's salary is challenging.
Access to nature (Lake Travis, hill country trails) for off-duty life.	Growth is steady, not explosive—fewer new openings than in booming cities.
Strong sense of community and safety.	Commute to higher-paying Austin jobs is 30+ minutes in traffic.

Final Recommendation: Cedar Park is an excellent choice for a mid-career firefighter (5-15 years of experience) looking for a stable, family-friendly environment. It’s less ideal for a brand-new rookie seeking the fastest possible advancement or for someone who wants the high-intensity, big-city experience of a major metro. If you prioritize quality of life, good schools, and a manageable pace over maximizing your salary, and you’re willing to budget carefully or wait to buy a house, Cedar Park is a fantastic fit. It’s the kind of place you can build a long, satisfying career and life.

FAQs

Q: Is Cedar Park Fire Department a paid-on-call or career department?
A: CPFD is a full-time career department. They do not use a volunteer model for emergency response, ensuring consistent training and response times.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process?
A: Moderately competitive. Having your EMT-Basic certification is a major advantage. The written test and CPAT are standard hurdles. Interview panels look for community involvement and clear communication skills. Applying to multiple agencies (CPFD, Williamson County, Leander) increases your chances.

Q: What’s the retirement like?
A: Most departments in the area, including CPFD and Williamson County, participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) or similar. It’s a defined-benefit pension plan. You typically vest after 5 years and can retire with full benefits after 20-25 years of service, depending on the specific plan. This is a crucial part of the compensation package.

Q: Do I need a bachelor’s degree?
A: Not for entry-level firefighter positions. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum. However, many departments offer incentives for higher education, and a degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or Emergency Management is highly recommended for promotion to officer ranks and beyond.

Q: What’s the weather like for a firefighter?
A: Hot and dry in the summer, with temperatures regularly over 100°F. This increases the risk of wildfires and puts a strain on firefighting operations. Springs can be stormy, and winters are mild. You’ll need to be prepared for a variety of conditions, with a focus on heat management during summer responses.