Firefighter in Cheyenne, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

As a local who's watched the fire service landscape evolve in Cheyenne over the past decade, I can tell you the numbers tell a clear story. The median salary for a Firefighter in Cheyenne is $55,560/year, which breaks down to $26.71/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, but the cost of living here is significantly lower than most metro areas, which makes that salary go much further.

The job market is stable but not booming. There are approximately 130 firefighting jobs in the Cheyenne metro, which is a tight-knit community. Over the next decade, we're looking at a modest 4% job growth. This isn't a high-growth field, but it's steady, and turnover is predictable, creating consistent opportunities for new hires.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Cheyenne)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $52,000	Starting pay for a certified Firefighter I/II. Often requires EMT-Basic.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$54,000 - $60,000	As you gain certifications (Advanced EMT, Driver/Operator) and seniority.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$62,000 - $70,000	Typically a Lieutenant or Captain. Pay bumps come with rank and specialty certs.
Expert/Command (15+ yrs)	$72,000 - $85,000+	Battalion Chiefs and above. Highly dependent on department and union contracts.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

Cheyenne isn't the highest-paying city in Wyoming for firefighters, but it's competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Notes
Cheyenne	$55,560	90.9	State capital, largest metro in WY. Stable government jobs.
Casper	$56,800	92.1	Energy sector hub. Slightly higher pay but similar COL.
Laramie	$52,100	88.5	College town (University of Wyoming). Lower pay, lower COL.
Gillette	$59,000	94.5	Coal mining region. Higher pay, higher COL, more volatile.
Jackson	$68,000	145.2+	Tourist economy. Much higher pay, but extremely high COL.

Insider Tip: The Cheyenne Fire Department (CFD) operates under a union contract (IAFF Local 2806). This means pay scales are transparent and predictable. New hires should review the current collective bargaining agreement directly on the city's website to see step increases.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real about the budget. A single firefighter earning the median $55,560 takes home roughly $3,800/month after federal, state (5%), and FICA taxes. Cheyenne has a unique tax situation: no city income tax, but a 2% city sales tax on utilities. Here’s the monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$4,630	Before taxes.
Est. Take-Home Pay	$3,800	After taxes & deductions.
Average 1BR Rent	$917	City-wide average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Cheyenne's dry climate means higher heating costs in winter.
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in a spread-out city.
Fuel (20 mi/day commute)	$120	Gas is cheaper than coastal states.
Health Insurance	$200	Often subsidized for union members.
Retirement (WY PERS)	$230	14.5% mandatory contribution (employee + employer).
Remaining	$1,353	For savings, discretionary spending, entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, with careful planning. The median home price in Cheyenne is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000, a significant but achievable goal over 3-5 years with disciplined saving. A mortgage (PITI) on a $224,000 loan would be around $1,400-$1,500/month, which is tight on a single income but feasible with a partner's income or disciplined budgeting. The low cost of living makes homeownership a realistic goal for Cheyenne firefighters, unlike in many larger metro areas.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

The firefighting job market in Cheyenne is dominated by a few key players. The city is the primary employer, but there are other options.

1. Cheyenne Fire Department (CFD): The largest employer. They operate 8 fire stations, including the historic Fire Station #1 downtown. CFD is a career department with full-time benefits, a pension, and union representation. They hire in batches every 1-2 years, often after testing periods. Hiring Trend: Looking to replace retiring personnel from the Baby Boomer generation, creating a steady stream of openings.

2. Laramie County Fire District #1 (LCFD): Covers the unincorporated areas and smaller towns around Cheyenne (like Pine Bluffs, Ranchettes). They often have a mix of career and volunteer firefighters. Hiring Trend: Expanding services due to suburban growth, especially north of I-80.

3. Franciscan Health (Cheyenne Regional Medical Center): While not a traditional fire department, the hospital has its own fire safety and emergency response team. These roles are more specialized and require additional hospital safety certifications.

4. State of Wyoming (Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety): This is a niche, inspection-based role. Requires advanced certifications like Fire Inspector I. The state capitol complex and state buildings also have fire safety personnel.

5. F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Security Forces/Fire): Located on the west side of Cheyenne, the base has its own fire department for emergencies on the installation. Federal positions, federal pay scale, and often require military or federal experience. Insider Tip: These jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov. Having a DoD clearance or prior military service is a huge advantage.

6. Central Wyoming College (CWC) - Fire Science Program: While not a direct employer, CWC offers an excellent Fire Science AAS degree in Cheyenne. Many local departments recruit directly from this program. It's a key pipeline for new hires.

7. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Companies like Anadarko Petroleum (at the Cheyenne office) or Northrop Grumman (data center) may have internal safety teams. These are rare and highly competitive.

Hiring Trend Overview: The biggest factor is retirements. CFD has seen over 15% of its force eligible for retirement in the last 5 years. This creates a predictable cycle of hiring. The best approach is to get on the "hiring list" when announced, which requires passing a written exam, physical ability test (CPAT), oral board, background check, and medical/psychological evaluations.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming's certification is managed by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office. The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

Step 1: Basic Firefighter Certification

• Requirement: Complete a Firefighter I course (typically 160+ hours). This is often done through a community college or the Wyoming Fire Academy in Douglas.
• Cost: $1,200 - $2,500 (includes tuition, gear, and materials). Some departments will sponsor your training if you are hired as a probationary firefighter.
• Timeline: 4-6 months of intensive training (often evenings/weekends if working full-time).
• Key Resource: Central Wyoming College (CWC) in Cheyenne offers the required courses.

Step 2: EMT-Basic Certification

• Requirement: Most departments require EMT-B as a minimum. CFD and LCFD require it.
• Cost: $1,500 - $2,000 for a full EMT-B course (150+ hours).
• Timeline: 6-8 months. Often combined with Firefighter I training.
• Insider Tip: Getting your EMT-B before applying makes you a much stronger candidate. It shows commitment and saves the department training money.

Step 3: State Fire Marshal Certification

• Process: After completing Firefighter I and passing the state exam, you apply to the State Fire Marshal for official certification.
• Cost: $150 for the certification exam fee.
• Timeline: Immediate upon passing.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline (Self-Funded):

• Cost: ~$3,000 - $5,000 (if no department sponsors training).
• Timeline: 8-12 months to complete Firefighter I and EMT-B.

Insider Tip: The Wyoming Fire Academy in Douglas is the state's premier training facility. Their courses are often more respected by hiring boards. Consider scheduling your training there if you can.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Choosing where to live in Cheyenne depends on your lifestyle and commute to a fire station. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. Downtown / Historic District

   • Vibe: Walkable, historic, with restaurants, bars, and the Capitol. Home to Station #1.
   • Commute: 0-5 minutes to downtown station. Walk or bike possible.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Young, single firefighters who want an active social life. Parking can be a challenge.

2. South Cheyenne (Near the Hospital)

   • Vibe: Established residential, close to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (where many paramedics are based).
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Station #5 or #6. Easy access to I-25.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Medical personnel or those who work at the hospital. Quieter, family-friendly.

3. North Cheyenne (Near F.E. Warren AFB)

   • Vibe: Mix of older homes and newer subdivisions. Close to the base.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most stations. Base access can speed up commute if you work there.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those working at the Air Force base or who prefer a suburban feel. More affordable than downtown.

4. East Cheyenne (Near I-80)

   • Vibe: Newer developments, shopping centers, and industrial areas. The "big box" corridor.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to stations. Easy interstate access.
   • Rent Estimate: $875 - $1,050/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want modern amenities and proximity to retail. Can be less walkable.

5. West Cheyenne (Sunrise Addition & Surroundings)

   • Vibe: Quiet, established neighborhoods, closer to the mountains. Home to Station #4.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to western stations. Great for accessing outdoor recreation.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,150/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts. Quieter than downtown, but still a reasonable drive to city center.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Cheyenne is minimal. The biggest commute factor is weather. Living within 10-15 minutes of your station is ideal, especially in winter when roads can ice over quickly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Cheyenne follows a structured path, primarily within the Cheyenne Fire Department.

Specialty Premiums & Pay Bumps:

• EMT-B to Paramedic: A significant jump. Paramedic certification often comes with a $3,000 - $5,000 annual premium at CFD.
• Driver/Operator (Engineer): Requires additional training and certification. Pay grade increases, typically adding $4,000+ to the base salary.
• Specialized Certifications: Hazardous Materials Technician, Technical Rescue Specialist (rope, confined space, water), and Fire Inspector/Instructor. These can lead to promotions or specialty team assignments.

Advancement Path:

1. Firefighter (2-4 years)
2. Driver/Operator (Engineer) (3-5 years in)
3. Lieutenant (Captain) (5-8 years in)
4. Battalion Chief (10-15 years in, requires extensive command training).

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth is not aggressive, but it's reliable. The key driver is retirements. Over the next decade, Cheyenne will see a wave of promotions as senior staff retire, creating openings at the Lieutenant and Captain levels. The city's growth, while modest, will likely lead to the addition of 1-2 new stations in the next 15 years, meaning more jobs. For a dedicated firefighter, the path to Lieutenant or Captain is achievable within 8-12 years of service. The Wy. PERS pension, combined with a steady salary, provides long-term financial security that is hard to find in many other industries.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further. Homeownership is achievable.	Limited Job Market: 130 jobs means it's a small, tight-knit community. Transferring later can be hard.
Stable Employer: City government and CFD offer union protection and predictable pay.	4% Growth: Not a fast-growing field. Opportunities are based on retirements.
Accessible Training: CWC and the Wyoming Fire Academy provide clear pathways.	Weather: Harsh winters with ice and snow. Can be challenging for driving and outdoor work.
Outdoor Access: Gateway to the Laramie Mountains, Vedauwoo, and Snowy Range.	Isolated Location: 2+ hours from Denver, 5+ hours from other major cities. Limited entertainment options.
Tight-Knit Community: Fire service here is a brotherhood. You'll know everyone.	Lower Ceiling: Max pay is lower than in larger metro areas (e.g., Denver, Seattle).

Final Recommendation: Cheyenne is an excellent fit for a practical, financially-minded firefighter who values stability over high-octane growth. If you're willing to start your career, get your certifications, and commit to a community for the long haul, the financial and quality-of-life benefits are substantial. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid advancement, a dynamic nightlife scene, or who are uncomfortable with cold, snowy winters. For a single firefighter earning the median $55,560, Cheyenne offers a path to a stable life, a home, and a pension—something increasingly rare in the modern economy.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a Wyoming resident to apply?
A: No. CFD and other departments accept applications from out-of-state, but you must obtain Wyoming residency and your state certifications (Firefighter I and EMT) before your start date or within a probationary period. It's wise to start the certification process before applying.

Q: How competitive are the hiring exams?
A: For CFD, each hiring cycle can see 100-200 applicants for 5-10 openings. The written exam and CPAT are pass/fail. The oral board is the major differentiator. Insider Tip: Practice your oral board answers with a current firefighter or instructor. It's as much about communication and community fit as it is about technical knowledge.

Q: What is the shift schedule like?
A: The standard for CFD is a 48/96 schedule: 48 hours on, 96 hours off. This is common across the U.S. and allows for a good work-life balance. Some smaller districts like LCFD may use a 24/48 or even a 12-hour shift schedule.

Q: Is volunteer experience valuable in Cheyenne?
A: Yes, especially in Laramie County. Many volunteer firefighters in the area eventually get hired by a career department. It shows commitment and gives you a head start on training. The Cheyenne Fire Department also has a voluntary "Reserve" program for off-duty personnel.

**Q: What's the biggest challenge for new firefighters in