Firefighter in Cicero, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Cicero Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: firefighting in Cicero is a solid middle-class career, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. The numbers tell the story. The median salary for a Firefighter in Cicero is $57,565 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.68. This is slightly above the national average of $57,120. For a town of 81,006 people, that’s a respectable wage, especially with the job security that comes with municipal employment.

But salary isn’t just a number; it’s a ladder. Here’s how pay typically progresses based on experience within the Cicero area and similar municipal departments in Cook County.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Cicero Area)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic firefighter/EMT duties, intensive training, on-call status.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Full line firefighter, EMT certified, potential for driver/engineer role.
Senior (8-14 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	Senior firefighter, crew supervisor, potential for specialist (HazMat, Technical Rescue).
Expert/Command (15+ years)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief; administrative and strategic roles.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Cicero boost their income with overtime. The Cicero Fire Department operates on a 24-hour shift schedule (e.g., 24 on, 48 off). While base pay is fixed, special duty assignments—like covering events at the Cicero Community Park or providing fire watch at local construction sites—can add a significant 10-20% to your annual income.

Comparison to Other Illinois Cities

How does Cicero stack up? It’s competitive, especially considering the cost of living compared to larger metros.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Cicero	$57,565	102.6	Municipal, stable, good benefits.
Chicago	$65,000+	107.5	Higher pay, but much higher cost of living and intense competition.
Springfield	$53,000	94.0	State capital, slightly lower pay, lower cost of living.
Aurora	$61,000	104.5	Larger suburb, higher pay, but longer commutes possible.

Cicero offers a "sweet spot": a wage that goes further than in downtown Chicago or the North Shore suburbs. The Jobs in Metro figure of 162 indicates a stable but not saturated job market. The 10-Year Job Growth of 4% is modest, reflecting the typical stability of municipal government jobs rather than boom-and-bust industries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the paycheck. For a single firefighter earning the median salary of $57,565, the monthly budget is a balancing act.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Firefighter, $57,565/year)

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$4,797
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (Federal, State, FICA, Insurance): ~$1,400
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,400
• Average 1BR Rent (Cicero): $1,231/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Savings: ~$2,169

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible. With a 10-year job growth of only 4%, stability is your friend for a mortgage. The monthly leftover of $2,169 must cover all living expenses. After setting aside for utilities ($150), car payment/insurance ($400), food ($400), and personal expenses ($300), you’re left with roughly $900/month for savings and mortgage payments. In Cicero, where median home prices hover around $250,000-$300,000, a 20% down payment is a challenge for a single income. However, with dual income or after a few years of experience (moving into the mid-career salary bracket), homeownership becomes much more realistic. Many firefighters in the area buy in neighboring suburbs like Berwyn or Stickney for slightly more space.

Where the Jobs Are: Cicero's Major Employers

Cicero’s job market for firefighters is straightforward: it’s dominated by municipal government. There are no large private fire companies here; it’s all about the town.

1. Cicero Fire Department (Town of Cicero): The primary employer. The department is composed of several stations covering the town. Hiring is done directly by the Town of Cicero. They typically post openings on the town’s official website and local government job boards. Expect a rigorous civil service exam process.
2. Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS): While not a direct fire department, CCHHS operates facilities in the greater area (like Stroger Hospital in Chicago). They employ emergency medical personnel and have roles for paramedics, which can be a parallel career path. Many firefighters in Cicero are also licensed paramedics, making them attractive candidates for such roles.
3. MacNeal Hospital (Berwyn): Located just west of Cicero, this is a major Level II Trauma Center. Firefighters often work here as paramedics or in emergency department roles. It’s a common second job or career transition point for off-duty firefighters.
4. Village of Stickney & Village of Berwyn: Cicero’s immediate neighbors. These municipalities have their own fire departments and occasionally hire, especially if you’re willing to work within a 5-mile radius. A commute from Cicero to either is under 15 minutes.
5. Cicero School District 99 & 201: While not fire departments, school districts employ safety officers and security personnel. It’s not the same as firefighting, but it’s a related public safety role that might suit a retired firefighter.
6. Local Construction & Industrial Sites: Companies like Cicero Iron Works or the various warehousing and distribution centers along the I-55/I-290 corridors often contract with private fire watch services. These are short-term, high-paying gigs for off-duty firefighters.

Hiring Trends: Hiring in Cicero is periodic and competitive. The 162 jobs in the metro area are limited. Departments wait for retirements to open spots. The best way to get in is to be proactive: get your EMT license before applying, and network with current Cicero firefighters at local events or through the local union (IFSA).

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a clear path to becoming a firefighter, but it requires certification and testing.

1. Basic Firefighter Certification (FF I & II): You must complete a state-approved training program. This is typically a 6-8 month course at a community college or fire academy (e.g., Triton College or City Colleges of Chicago). Cost: ~$5,000 - $8,000.
2. EMT-Basic License: Most departments, including Cicero, require EMT-B certification. This is a shorter course (120-150 hours) that can be taken concurrently with or after fire training. Cost: ~$1,200 - $2,000.
3. Paramedic (Optional but Recommended): To be truly competitive in the Chicagoland market, getting a Paramedic license is a game-changer. It adds another year of training and increases your hiring potential and salary potential. Cost: ~$10,000 - $15,000.
4. Civil Service Exam: For municipal jobs like Cicero, you must pass the Illinois Civil Service Exam. The test is administered by the town or county. It’s competitive, and your score (often 70% to 100%) determines your ranking on the eligibility list. Fee: ~$50-$100.
5. Physical Agility Test (PAT): The CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) is the standard. You’ll need to train for it, specifically for the stair climb, hose drag, and dummy carry. Many local gyms offer CPAT prep courses.

Timeline: From starting training to being hired, expect 18-24 months minimum. Get your EMT and Firefighter I/II certifications first, then apply.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live affects your budget and commute. Here are top picks for a firefighter in Cicero.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Firefighters
Cicero (Central)	The classic choice. Close to Fire HQ (Station 1 on 49th Ave). 5-10 min to work.	$1,150 - $1,350	Ultimate convenience for shift work. Walk to mom-and-pop shops.
Cicero (South)	Near the I-55 corridor. More residential, slightly quieter. 10-15 min to work.	$1,100 - $1,250	Slightly cheaper rent. Easy access to major highways for off-duty gigs.
Berwyn (West)	Just over the border. More suburban feel, great downtown. 10-15 min commute.	$1,250 - $1,450	More green space, excellent restaurants. Slightly higher rent but more amenities.
Stickney (South)	Small, tight-knit village. Very affordable. 10-15 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,200	Lowest cost of living in the immediate area. Perfect for saving for a house.
Oak Park (North)	Upscale, diverse, but more expensive. 20-30 min commute (traffic).	$1,500 - $1,800	Not the most practical, but if you value a vibrant, walkable community and don't mind the drive.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to buy, check out Stickney or Cicero’s eastern blocks near the Midway Airport area. Housing is more affordable, and the commute to Cicero fire stations is still under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Cicero is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-year job growth of 4% means advancement is based on seniority and initiative, not explosive industry expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: Once you’re established, you can earn premium pay for certifications. In Cicero, this includes:
  • Hazardous Materials Technician (HazMat)
  • Technical Rescue (Collapse, Confined Space, Water)
  • Paramedic Premium (A significant bump in pay)
  • Driver/Engineer (Operating the fire apparatus)
• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder is Firefighter → Driver/Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion requires passing an internal exam and an interview board. Leadership roles involve administrative duties, training, and larger strategic planning.
• 10-Year Outlook: The fire service in the Chicagoland area is stable but evolving. With the 81,006 population of Cicero, the core mission remains fire response and medical emergencies. Future growth may come from specializing in technical rescue (due to dense urban infrastructure) or community risk reduction programs (fire prevention). Your long-term security is tied to your certifications and your ability to adapt to changing public safety needs.

The Verdict: Is Cicero Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Municipal Job with strong union benefits and pension.	Moderate salary for the region; you won't get rich.
Solid middle-class living with a cost of living just above national average.	Hiring is slow and competitive; you must be prepared for a long process.
Ideal commute if you live in Cicero or nearby suburbs.	High-stress, high-risk work in a dense, urban environment.
Strong community with a tight-knit fire department culture.	Limited "prestige" compared to big-city or specialized federal fire jobs.
Access to major hospitals (MacNeal, Stroger) for career options.	4% job growth over 10 years means movement is limited.

Final Recommendation: Cicero is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values job security, community, and a manageable cost of living. It’s a practical career choice for someone who wants to be a homeowner in the Chicago metro area without the financial strain of the northern suburbs or downtown Chicago. If you’re willing to get your EMT/Paramedic license and are patient with the hiring process, you can build a very satisfying and stable career here.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Cicero to get hired by the Cicero Fire Department?
A: No, there is no residency requirement for the Town of Cicero. You can live anywhere in Illinois. However, living nearby is a huge advantage for the commute and for picking up extra shifts.

Q: How long is the hiring process for Cicero Fire?
A: From the civil service exam to the final job offer, it can take 6 to 18 months. The process includes the exam, CPAT, interviews, background check, and medical exam.

Q: Is the pension system good?
A: Yes, it’s a defined-benefit pension, which is becoming rare. You’ll contribute a portion of your salary, and upon retirement, you receive a monthly payment based on your final average salary and years of service. It’s a key reason many choose municipal fire jobs.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a new firefighter in Cicero?
A: The high call volume. Cicero is densely populated, so you’ll run a lot of medical assists and alarms. The challenge is maintaining a calm, professional demeanor on every call, from a minor kitchen fire to a multi-alarm structure fire.

Q: Can I work for Cicero if I’m not a paramedic?
A: Yes, but it’s harder. The Cicero Fire Department prefers candidates who are at least EMT-B certified. Having a Paramedic license is a major competitive advantage. Many departments are moving toward requiring Paramedic certification for all new hires.

Sources: Salary data is based on provided figures. Cost of Living data from BestPlaces.net. Job growth and employment numbers are based on provided BLS-like data for the metro area. Licensing information is based on Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines.