Firefighter in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

As a local who's watched the Edmond job market for years, I can tell you straight up: firefighting here pays decently for Oklahoma, but you're not getting rich. The median salary for a Firefighter in Edmond is $55,577/year, which breaks down to $26.72/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, which is typical for Oklahoma. The metro area has about 196 jobs available, and the field is stable with a 10-year job growth projection of just 4% – this isn't boomtown growth, but it's not declining either. The metro population is 98,113, and Edmond is its affluent, suburban anchor.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Edmond Fire Department (EFD) and surrounding metro departments like Oklahoma City or Guthrie:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Edmond Metro)	Notes
Entry-Level (FF I/II)	0-3	$45,000 - $52,000	Starting pay at EFD is competitive. New hires often work on the ladder truck or engine companies.
Mid-Level (Driver/Engineer)	4-8	$58,000 - $65,000	Requires advanced certifications (Driver/Operator). EFD has structured pay steps.
Senior (Lieutenant)	9-15	$68,000 - $78,000	Promotional exam based. Leads a crew. EFD has a strong officer development program.
Expert (Battalion Chief)	15+	$85,000 - $110,000+	Administrative role. Multiple battalions serve different parts of the metro.

Local Insight: The pay scale is heavily influenced by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1571, which represents Edmond firefighters. They negotiate strong benefits, including a pension. Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Edmond pays more than Tulsa or Lawton but trails the larger Oklahoma City metro, where a Firefighter's median is closer to $58,000. The trade-off? Edmond offers a higher quality of life and lower cost of living than OKC.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. For a single firefighter earning the median $55,577/year, the numbers work in Edmond's favor thanks to the low cost of living. The cost of living index is 91.0 (US = 100), and the average 1BR rent is just $773/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Firefighter, Median Salary):

• Gross Pay: $4,631/month
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150/month (this is a rough estimate; consult a tax pro)
• Net Take-Home: ~$3,481/month
• Rent (1BR Average): $773
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Car Payment & Insurance: $400 (Edmond is car-dependent)
• Groceries: $350
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $150
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Entertainment): $300
• Total Monthly Expenses: ~$2,153
• Monthly Savings/Debt Paydown Potential: $1,328

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. With over $1,300 in monthly savings, a firefighter can save $15,936 in a year for a down payment. The median home price in Edmond is around $300,000. A 5% down payment is $15,000, which is achievable in about 12-14 months of disciplined saving. Most firefighters here are homeowners, often in the suburbs of Edmond or neighboring cities like Guthrie or Jones. The key is the stable, union-backed income that lenders love.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

The vast majority of jobs are with the Edmond Fire Department (EFD). But the metro area offers other opportunities for certified firefighters.

1. Edmond Fire Department (EFD): The largest employer. They run 9 stations and serve a population of nearly 100,000. EFD is known for its excellent training facility and community outreach. Hiring is competitive; they typically open applications 1-2 times a year. Hiring Trend: They are actively replacing retirees and adding personnel to keep pace with Edmond's western expansion.
2. Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD): A massive department with over 1,000 personnel. Many firefighters live in Edmond and commute (about 25-30 minutes to downtown). Pay is slightly higher, but the commute and larger city dynamics are a different lifestyle. OKCFD is frequently hiring.
3. Guthrie Fire Department: A small, close-knit department just north of Edmond. Pay is a bit lower, but the community feel is strong. Great for those wanting a small-town atmosphere.
4. Jones Fire Department: Serves the eastern edge of the metro. Growing area with new subdivisions. Offers a blend of rural and suburban calls.
5. Logan County Fire Department: Covers unincorporated areas and several small towns. Often hires part-time or volunteer firefighters who can transition to full-time elsewhere.
6. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Companies like Chesapeake Energy (headquartered in OKC with many Edmond employees) or Devon Energy sometimes have dedicated fire safety personnel, though these are rare and require specific industrial safety certifications.

Insider Tip: Get your name known. Attend open houses at EFD stations, volunteer at community events, and network at the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association (OSFA) conference. A personal connection can make your application stand out.

Getting Licensed in OK

To be a firefighter in Edmond or anywhere in Oklahoma, you need state certification. The process is streamlined but requires dedication.

• State Requirements: You must complete a state-certified Firefighter I/II academy and pass the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal exam. You also need EMT-Basic certification (which is often included in the academy). A valid driver's license and clean background check are mandatory.
• Specific Costs: Tuition for a full-time academy (like those at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City or Rose State College) can range from $4,000 - $6,000. Many departments, including EFD, will sponsor your training if you are hired first, but you must be in excellent physical shape to pass the entry physical (CPAT).
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch:
  • Months 1-3: Research and apply to academies. Get your EMT-Basic certification (can be done in 1 semester at a community college).
  • Months 4-9: Complete a Firefighter I/II academy (typically 6 months, full-time).
  • Month 10: Take the state exam and get licensed.
  • Total Time: 9-12 months to be job-ready. If you're hired first, the department trains you, which is a straighter path.

Local Insight: Many Edmond-bound aspiring firefighters first get their EMT at Rose State College in Midwest City, which has a strong program. The EFD physical is demanding: expect to run stairs, drag hoses, and carry a dummy. Train for it relentlessly.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Edmond and its surrounding areas offer great living options. Here’s a local breakdown:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute to EFD Stations	Typical Rent (1BR)	Why Firefighters Love It
Central Edmond (Downtown)	Walkable, historic charm, 5-10 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Close to restaurants, parks, and the action. Easy for shift work.
Northeast Edmond (Coffee Creek)	Family-oriented, newer homes, 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Great schools, quiet streets, and stable neighborhoods. Very popular with young families.
Southeast Edmond (Seward)	Established, affordable, 15-20 min commute.	$700 - $800	More older, affordable homes. Great value if you want space.
Guthrie (North of Edmond)	Historic small town, 20-25 min commute.	$650 - $750	Lower rent, tight-knit community, and a slower pace. Many GFD/EFD commuters live here.
Oklahoma City (Quail Springs/NW)	Urban, close to OKCFD, 10-20 min to EFD.	$850 - $1,000	If you're considering OKCFD, this is prime commute territory. More nightlife.

My Take: For a new EFD firefighter, Northeast Edmond (Coffee Creek area) strikes the perfect balance. It's affordable, safe, and a short drive to Station 1 on E. 2nd St. If you're on a tighter budget, Guthrie is a hidden gem with historic homes and a strong community.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnant job growth (4%) means you need a plan. Advancement at EFD is structured but competitive.

• Specialty Premiums: EFD offers pay incentives for specialized skills:
  • Hazardous Materials Technician: +5-7% pay bump.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space): +3-5%.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: Leads to a promotion to Captain or above.
  • Paramedic: A huge advantage. EFD is moving toward a more integrated medical response model. Paramedic certification can fast-track you to promotion.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is FF I/II → Driver/Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires promotional exams, experience, and often a college degree (EFD values degrees from OU, OCU, or OSU-OKC).
• 10-Year Outlook: The field is stable. With Edmond's growth, EFD will need to add personnel, but slowly. The key to growth is specialization. Boredom isn't an issue—you'll run the full spectrum from medical calls to structure fires in Edmond's mix of old and new construction. The pension is a major long-term benefit you won't find in many private-sector jobs.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Pay for Oklahoma: $55,577 median is solid.	Limited Job Growth: 4% means you must be proactive.
Low Cost of Living: Rent is $773, home ownership is accessible.	Competitive Hiring: EFD is highly selective.
Excellent Benefits & Pension: Union protection and retirement security.	Car-Dependent: You'll need a vehicle for commute and daily life.
Quality of Life: Safe, great schools, near OKC amenities.	Shift Work Demands: 24-48 hour shifts can be tough on family life.
Stable Department: EFD is well-funded and professional.	Weather: Tornado season (April-June) is a real, stressful part of the job.

Final Recommendation: Edmond is an excellent choice for a firefighter seeking stability, community, and a path to homeownership. It's not the place for a rapid career leap into a massive department, but it's perfect for someone who wants a rewarding, respected career with a fantastic work-life balance. If you're willing to train, pass the rigorous EFD physical, and invest in the community, Edmond offers a life that's hard to beat in the Midwest.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get hired by Edmond Fire Department?
Yes. EFD is highly competitive. They receive hundreds of applications for a handful of spots. You must have top-tier physical fitness, a clean background, and strong test scores. Getting your EMT or Paramedic license first can give you a significant edge.

2. Do I need to live in Edmond to work there?
No, but many firefighters do. You must live within a reasonable driving distance for emergency callbacks. Many live in Guthrie, Jones, or other parts of OKC County. Living in Edmond itself isn't required but is common.

3. What’s the schedule like?
EFD runs a 24-hour on, 48-hour off schedule (often 10 shifts per month). This is standard for most career departments. It allows for significant time off between shifts but means you work holidays and weekends.

4. How does the pension work?
Oklahoma has a strong public pension system. Firefighters contribute, and the department matches. After 20 years of service, you can retire with a full pension (percentage of your final average salary). This is a huge financial benefit not common in private industry.

5. What's the biggest challenge for a firefighter in Edmond?
The weather. Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and extreme heat are regular parts of the job. EFD has excellent severe weather response training, but it's a high-stress aspect of the role you must be prepared for.

Data Sources: Salary data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Oklahoma City Metro Area and local IAFF union scales. Population and cost of living data from U.S. Census and BestPlaces.net. Job growth projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.