Firefighter in Coral Springs, FL

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out job markets across Florida, I can tell you that Coral Springs isn’t just another suburban city—it’s a carefully planned community with a distinct character. For firefighters, this means specific opportunities, a unique cost of living, and a job market that’s steady but not explosive. Let’s break down what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Coral Springs Stands

The salary data for firefighters in Coral Springs tells a story of stability rather than high-octane growth. The median salary of $59,142/year sits comfortably above the national average for firefighters, which is $57,120/year. That $28.43/hour hourly rate is respectable, but it’s crucial to understand the local context. The 10-year job growth for the metro area is a modest 4%, with only 269 total jobs in the metro. This isn’t a market booming with new fire stations, but rather one with consistent turnover and steady demand.

To give you a clearer picture of how your experience translates into pay, here’s a breakdown of typical salary tiers in the region.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Coral Springs)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $54,000	Fire suppression, EMS calls, vehicle extrication, basic inspections.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Leading crews, advanced rescue operations, hazardous materials, mentorship.
Senior (10-19 years)	$66,000 - $75,000	Command functions, major incident management, specialty unit coordination.
Expert/Command (20+ years)	$76,000+	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief roles, policy development.

Data compiled from regional salary surveys and Fire Department benchmarks.

When you compare Coral Springs to other Florida cities, the picture becomes more nuanced. It’s not a high-paying powerhouse like Miami-Dade or Tampa, where top-end salaries can be significantly higher due to cost of living and larger municipal budgets. However, it pays better than many smaller cities in Central Florida or the Panhandle. The key is the stability and the benefits package, which is typically robust for municipal firefighters in Broward County.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Living in Coral Springs requires a clear-eyed view of your finances. The city has a Cost of Living Index of 111.8, which is 11.8% above the national average. The biggest driver is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,621/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a firefighter earning the median salary of $59,142/year (approximately $4,928/month gross). This assumes a single filer with standard deductions, using an estimated 20% effective tax rate (federal, state, FICA).

Income & Expense	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,928
Estimated Take-Home (after ~20% taxes)	$3,942	This is a pre-benefit estimate. Health insurance and retirement contributions will reduce this.
Rent (1-BR Average)	$1,621
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Florida's heat impacts electric bills.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Average for a reliable used car; insurance is high in FL.
Groceries & Food	$450
Gas/Transportation	$180	Commuting costs vary by neighborhood.
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Personal)	$300
Remaining Discretionary Income	$541	This is before any debt payments, savings, or retirement contributions.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s challenging on a single median salary. The median home price in Coral Springs is approximately $425,000. A 20% down payment is $85,000. A 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of around $2,300, including taxes and insurance. This would consume over half of your take-home pay, leaving little room for savings or other expenses. A dual-income household or a significant savings period is typically required for homeownership here.

Where the Jobs Are: Coral Springs's Major Employers

The Coral Springs job market is dominated by municipal and county entities. The fire service is public, with the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department (CSPFD) being the primary employer. CSPFD is a highly regarded department known for its professionalism and community engagement. They serve both Coral Springs and the neighboring city of Parkland.

Here are the key employers for firefighters in the area:

1. Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department (CSPFD): The main local employer. They typically have 10-15 openings per year for firefighter/EMTs, driven by retirements and expansion. They run a competitive paramedic academy. Insider Tip: Having your paramedic license before applying gives you a significant edge.
2. Broward County Fire Rescue (BCFR): The county service covers unincorporated areas and some municipalities. They are larger and have more diverse opportunities, including airports, marine units, and hazmat. Hiring cycles can be less frequent but are larger when they occur.
3. Sunrise Fire Department: A neighboring city with a busy, urban environment. They often have openings and are known for their aggressive fire attack and advanced EMS.
4. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue: A major metro department. While the commute from Coral Springs can be heavy, they offer higher top-end pay and unique opportunities (high-rise, waterfront, airport).
5. Florida State Fire Marshal Office: For firefighters interested in fire investigation and prevention. Requires additional certification but offers a different career path.
6. Broward Health (North & Coral Springs medical centers): While not a fire department, the hospital system is a major employer of paramedics for critical care transport and hospital-based EMS roles. This is a common lateral move for firefighters seeking more clinical work.
7. Local Schools (Coral Springs High, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, etc.): Some firefighters work part-time as EMT instructors or safety officers for school districts.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady for state-certified Firefighter/EMT and especially Paramedic personnel. The trend is toward hiring candidates with full credentials to avoid the cost and time of academy training. The 10-year job growth of 4% reflects this stability—new hires are primarily filling retirements, not creating entirely new positions.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida’s certification process is strict and standardized by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (BFST), administered through the Florida State Fire College. You cannot work as a firefighter without state certification.

The Path:

1. Firefighter I & II: This is the core suppression certification. It involves a 196-hour course (classroom and live fire training). Cost: $2,500 - $4,000 at a state-approved training center.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: Required for almost all fire departments. This is a 120-150 hour course. Cost: $1,200 - $2,500.
3. Paramedic Certification (Optional but Highly Recommended): A 1,000+ hour program. Cost: $10,000 - $15,000. This is the single biggest career differentiator in South Florida.
4. State Exam: You must pass written and practical exams for each certification. Exam fees are typically under $500.
5. National Registry EMT (NREMT): While Florida uses its own exams, having NREMT can be beneficial for multi-state considerations.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re starting from zero, expect a 12-18 month timeline to become a Firefighter/EMT, and 2.5-3 years to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. Many candidates work as an EMT on an ambulance during paramedic school to gain experience and income.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Coral Springs affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by the Sawgrass Expressway, creating distinct areas.

1. The "City Center" (West of the Sawgrass): This is the classic Coral Springs suburban core—tree-lined streets, older but well-maintained homes, and easy access to the civic center and parks. Commute to CSPFD Station 51 (City Center) is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1-BR: ~$1,600.
2. Northwest Coral Springs (Near Parkland): Quieter, more spacious lots, feels more rural. Close to the Parkland border and BCFR stations. Commute to central Coral Springs is 15-20 minutes. Rent for a 1-BR: ~$1,700.
3. Heritage Village (East of the Sawgrass): A popular area with newer townhomes and condos. Very walkable, close to shopping. Commute to fire stations can be 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Rent for a 1-BR: ~$1,650.
4. Cypress Run (East of the Sawgrass): Features larger single-family homes and a golf course community. A bit more upscale, with longer commutes to the main municipal areas. Rent for a 1-BR: ~$1,800.
5. The "Sawgrass Mills" Area (South Coral Springs): Close to the massive Sawgrass Mills mall and I-595. Traffic can be heavier, but you have immediate access to major highways. This is a strategic location if you're considering jobs in Sunrise or Fort Lauderdale. Rent for a 1-BR: ~$1,550.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Coral Springs is about specialization and rank.

• Specialty Premiums: The CSPFD offers incentive pay for certain certifications. A paramedic typically earns an additional $5,000 - $8,000 annually. Special teams like Hazmat or Technical Rescue can come with smaller stipends or specialty pay.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter → Engineer (Driving/Pumping) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion involves competitive exams and interviews. The process can be slow due to department size and seniority.
• 10-Year Outlook: With only 4% job growth, advancement often depends on longevity and retirements. The key is to gain supplemental certifications (Fire Inspector, Fire Officer, Instructor) and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or Public Administration. This is crucial for command staff positions. The future will likely see an increased focus on community risk reduction and integrated EMS services.

The Verdict: Is Coral Springs Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, well-regarded municipal fire department.	High cost of living, especially housing.
Strong sense of community and family-friendly environment.	Salary growth is limited; top pay is modest for the region.
Central location in South Florida with access to beaches and Everglades.	Job market is not growing rapidly; competition is high for openings.
Good public schools and safe neighborhoods.	Traffic congestion, especially on I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway.
Benefits package (pension, health insurance) is typically solid.	Homeownership on a single median salary is very difficult.

Final Recommendation: Coral Springs is an excellent choice for a firefighter who prioritizes community, stability, and a family-oriented lifestyle over maximizing salary. If you are a paramedic or willing to become one, your employability and pay potential increase significantly. It’s a place to build a long-term career, not to get rich quickly. If you’re early in your career and need to save aggressively for a home, the cost of living here will be a major hurdle. Consider starting in a slightly less expensive neighboring city (like Pompano Beach or Lauderhill) to gain experience, then transition to Coral Springs once you’re more established.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a paramedic to get hired in Coral Springs?
While not always mandatory, it is a massive advantage. Most departments, including CSPFD, have a higher number of paramedic candidates and,/2Q.*
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2. What is the typical shift schedule?
Most fire departments in the area, including Coral Springs, use a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off (24/48) schedule. Some may use a 24/72 or other variations. It’s demanding but allows for extended time off.
3. How competitive is the hiring process?
Very competitive. A typical entry-level recruit class may have 100-200 applicants for 10-15 spots. Having your EMT and, ideally, paramedic license, along with a clean background and strong physical fitness, is essential.
4. What is the pension system like?
Florida has a strong pension system for state and municipal employees, typically the Florida Retirement System (FRS). It’s a defined-benefit plan, which is a significant long-term financial advantage over 401(k)-only plans.
5. Is Coral Springs a good place for a firefighter's family?
Generally, yes. The city is known for excellent public schools (rated A by the state), low crime rates, and numerous parks and family activities. The main challenge is the cost of living on a single income. A dual-income household makes it much more manageable.