Firefighter in Enid, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Enid Stands

As a local career analyst, I’ll be blunt: Enid isn’t where you come to get rich as a firefighter, but it’s one of the most affordable places in Oklahoma to live and work. The median salary for firefighters here is $54,738/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.32/hour. That’s slightly below the national average for firefighters, which sits at $57,120/year. However, when you factor in Enid’s cost of living index of 86.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches significantly further here than in most other cities.

Enid is part of a metro area with about 50,821 people, and the fire service here is a stable, tight-knit community. There are roughly 101 firefighting jobs in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t explosive, high-growth territory, but it’s steady. You’re not competing against thousands of applicants for a single spot, but you’re also not seeing the rapid expansion you might find in booming metro areas.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary by experience level within the Enid market. These are estimates based on local department collective bargaining agreements and state averages, but they reflect the typical progression you’d see in Enid.

Experience Level	Typical Enid Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$42,000 - $48,000	Basic firefighting, EMT duties, apparatus operation, station duties.
Mid-Level (Firefighter/EMT)	$52,000 - $62,000	Full operational duties, driving/operating pumpers or ladder trucks, advanced medical responses.
Senior (Engineer/Lieutenant)	$64,000 - $75,000	Apparatus operation, crew supervision, incident command for smaller calls.
Expert (Captain/Battalion Chief)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Command on major incidents, station management, training, and administrative oversight.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities:

• Oklahoma City: Median salary is closer to $59,000, but the cost of living index is around 92.5. The pay bump is marginal when you account for the higher rent and expenses.
• Tulsa: Similar to OKC, with a median near $58,000 and a cost of living index around 90. Jobs are more numerous, but competition is fiercer.
• Lawton: Median salary is lower, around $52,000, but the cost of living is also lower (index ~84). Enid offers a slightly better financial balance for a mid-career firefighter.

Insider Tip: The real financial advantage in Enid isn’t the salary—it’s the stability and low overhead. The Enid Fire Department (EFD) is unionized (IAFF Local 2480), and the city’s personnel policies are generally predictable. You’re not as vulnerable to the boom-and-bust cycles seen in oil-dependent towns like Woodward or Ponca City.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math for a typical firefighter earning the median $54,738/year. We’ll use a single filer with no dependents for this example.

Annual Salary: $54,738

• Federal Tax (approx. 12% bracket + FICA): ~$6,568
• State Income Tax (Oklahoma, 4.75% on this bracket): ~$2,600
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$45,570 (or $3,797/month)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (Avg. 1BR in Enid): $760/month
• Utilities (electric, water, gas, internet): $220/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (one car): $450/month
• Groceries & Household: $450/month
• Health Insurance (portion paid by employee): $250/month
• Retirement (5% contribution to OKPERS): $228/month
• Miscellaneous (entertainment, clothes, savings): $689/month

Remaining Buffer: This budget leaves a healthy $700+ as a buffer for savings, emergency funds, or discretionary spending. This is a key advantage: you can live comfortably on a single income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Enid is in the $140,000 - $160,000 range. With a $54,738 income, a firefighter could easily qualify for a mortgage. A 30-year mortgage on a $150,000 home with a 10% down payment would be around $850/month (including taxes and insurance). That’s only slightly more than the average rent, making homeownership very accessible. This is a major draw for those looking to build long-term equity.

The Where the Jobs Are: Enid's Major Employers

The fire service in Enid is dominated by one major public employer, but there are other opportunities for those with fire certifications.

1. Enid Fire Department (EFD): The primary employer. They operate 6 stations across the city, covering a response area of about 55 square miles. EFD runs a fire-based EMS system, meaning all firefighters are state-certified EMTs or Paramedics. Hiring Trend: They typically run a recruit class every 18-24 months. The process is competitive but transparent. The last major hiring push was in 2022, and another is anticipated in late 2024 or early 2025.
2. Garfield County Fire Districts: Several volunteer and paid-on-call districts surround Enid (e.g., Douglas, Waukomis). These are excellent starting points for those not yet fully certified or looking to build experience. Pay is lower, but it’s invaluable local experience.
3. Integris Bass Baptist Health Center: While not a fire department, Integris Bass is the largest hospital in the region. They have a small internal security/fire safety team and often hire firefighters for PRN (as-needed) positions in their ER or security due to their EMT/paramedic certification.
4. Chisholm Trail Refinery (Chesapeake Energy): Located just north of Enid, this large industrial facility has its own fire brigade, which often prefers candidates with prior firefighting and industrial fire suppression training. These are specialized, high-paying roles.
5. Vance Air Force Base (Located 6 miles north of Enid): The 71st Flying Training Wing has a civilian fire department that serves the base. These are federal jobs (USAJOBS) with excellent benefits and a different pay scale (typically higher than the city median).
6. Oklahoma Department of Forestry: Enid is in the heart of Oklahoma's rural landscape. The forestry service often hires seasonal firefighters for wildland fire suppression. This is a great way to get your "red card" (firefighter certification) and gain experience.
7. Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Enid Campus): A smaller employer, but they have a campus safety officer role that often requires or prefers fire/EMS certification.

Insider Tip: The most common path is to start with Enid FD or a neighboring volunteer district. While the base pay is modest, the benefits package—pension (Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System), health insurance, and 457(b) retirement plans—are robust. The city is also a "right-to-work" state, meaning union membership is voluntary, but the IAFF local is strong and negotiates for fair conditions.

Getting Licensed in OK

To be hired as a career firefighter in Oklahoma, you must be certified by the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office. Here’s the roadmap:

1. Prerequisites:
   • Must be at least 18 years old.
   • High school diploma or GED.
   • Valid driver's license.
   • EMT-Basic Certification: This is non-negotiable. All career fire departments in Oklahoma run fire-based EMS. You must complete an accredited EMT course (typically $1,200 - $1,800 and 6 months). Many candidates get this first.
2. Firefighter I & II: After EMT, you must complete a state-certified Firefighter I & II academy. This is a 6-month, full-time program (approx. $5,000 - $8,000 if taken at a community college like Autry Technology Center in Enid). It covers all the basic skills: hose lays, search & rescue, vehicle extrication, etc.
3. Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC): Required to drive/operate fire apparatus. This is a short course, often included in the Fire Academy.
4. Physical Ability Test (CPAT): A standardized national test you must pass. It’s a grueling obstacle course that simulates firefighting tasks. You’ll need to train for this. Local gyms and fire departments often host prep sessions.
5. State Certification Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the written and practical exams administered by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The exam fee is around $150.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Step 1 (EMT): 6 months.
• Step 2 (Fire Academy): 6 months.
• Step 3 (Job Application & Hiring Process): 3-6 months (includes written exam, CPAT, interview, background check, medical/psychological exam).
• Step 4 (Probationary Period): 1 year with EFD.

Total Timeline: 1.5 to 2 years from start of training to a full-time position. Cost Estimate: $7,000 - $12,000 for all training and certifications, which can often be financed or paid for through grants, GI Bill benefits, or scholarships.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Enid’s neighborhoods are defined by their proximity to downtown, schools, and access to the interstate (US-81, US-60, and H.E. Bailey Turnpike). Commutes are short city-wide—most firefighters live within 15-20 minutes of their station.

1. Pine Creek / North Enid (73703):
   • Vibe: Quiet, family-oriented, with larger lots and newer homes (1980s-2000s). Good schools (Chisholm district).
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown stations. Easy access to US-81 North.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 3BR house. More expensive but popular with established firefighters and families.
2. Downtown / Historic District (73701):
   • Vibe: Walkable, charming, with older bungalows and newly renovated apartments. The heart of the city's social scene.
   • Commute: 0-5 minutes to fire stations 1 (Downtown) and 2. Ideal for those who want to bike or walk to work.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR apartment or small house. Insider Tip: The old brick houses here have character but can be drafty and need more maintenance.
3. Eastside (73701/73703):
   • Vibe: Mid-century neighborhoods (1950s-70s), affordable, solid mix of homeowners and renters. Convenient to shopping and restaurants on Owen K. Garriott Road.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most stations.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $850/month for a 2BR apartment or house. One of the best value areas.
4. South Enid (73701):
   • Vibe: More rural feel, with acreages and farmland just south of the city limits. Very quiet.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to stations, but you might be closer to the southern stations or county districts.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $800/month for a 2-3BR house on a larger lot. Great for those who want space and don't mind a bit of a drive.

Recommendation: For a single firefighter or a young couple, Eastside or Downtown offer the best balance of affordability, short commute, and access to amenities. Pine Creek is the top choice for those starting families.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Enid is structured but competitive. Here’s the path and what to expect:

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Fire Inspector / Fire Marshal’s Office: Requires additional certification (Fire Inspector I). This is a Monday-Friday, business-hours job focused on code enforcement and plan review. It’s a sought-after specialty for older firefighters looking for a less physical role. Pay Premium: +$5,000 - $8,000 annually.
• Hazardous Materials Technician: Requires advanced training (Hazmat Ops/Technician). EFD responds to hazmat incidents. This certification makes you highly valuable and can lead to a spot on a regional team.
• Technical Rescue (Confined Space, Trench, Rope): Specialized training through the state or FEMA. EFD has a regional team for these calls. Pay Premium: Small stipend, but major career advancement.
• Paramedic: While most are EMTs, becoming a Paramedic (a 1-2 year program) is the single biggest career booster in Oklahoma fire service. It leads to promotion to Engineer faster and opens doors to specialty teams. Pay Premium: $5,000 - $10,000+ annually.
• Promotion to Officer (Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief): Requires time-in-service, specialized leadership training (often through the IAFF or state fire college), and passing a competitive exam and interview board.

10-Year Outlook:
With 4% job growth over a decade, you won’t see a massive expansion of new positions. However, Enid is aging out many senior firefighters who will retire over the next 5-10 years, creating a steady demand for mid-level firefighters to promote. The key to long-term growth here isn’t job hunting—it’s promotion and specialization. The firefighters who advance fastest are those who get their Paramedic certification early, volunteer for specialty teams, and show leadership potential. The pension system (OKPERS) is defined benefit, meaning your retirement is based on your final average salary, so every promotion directly increases your lifelong income.

The Verdict: Is Enid Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living. You can afford a home and a comfortable life on a single firefighter's income.	Salary is below national average. You won’t get rich here. Financial growth comes from promotion, not base pay.
Stable, community-focused fire department. Low turnover, strong union (IAFF), and a predictable career path.	Limited nightlife and cultural amenities. It’s a quiet city. If you crave big-city entertainment, you’ll be driving to OKC (90 mins) or Tulsa (2 hrs).
Short, stress-free commutes. You’re never more than 20 minutes from work.	Job market is small. Once you’re in with EFD, there are very few other career fire jobs in the immediate area.
Accessible homeownership. The path to buying a house is short and realistic.	Growth is slow. The 4% 10-year growth is modest. Advancement depends on retirements and promotions, not new hires.
Great for families. Safe neighborhoods, good public schools, and a strong sense of community.	Weather extremes. Tornadoes and severe storms are a reality. This means more frequent training and potential for challenging responses.

Final Recommendation:
Enid is an excellent choice for a firefighter starting a family or seeking a stable, affordable career. It’s not the place for someone chasing high salary or a fast-paced urban fire service. The real value is in the work-life balance: you can afford a house, have a short commute, and be part of a close-knit department. If you’re willing to invest in specializations (like Paramedic) and play the long game for promotion, you can build a very secure and fulfilling career here. For the single firefighter who loves outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, ATV riding) and doesn’t need a bustling city, Enid offers a fantastic quality of life.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Enid Fire Department?
A: It’s moderately competitive. You’ll typically be competing against 50-100 applicants for 5-10 spots in a recruitment cycle. Having your EMT certification before you apply significantly increases your chances. A clean driving record, no criminal history, and a strong, physically fit profile are mandatory.

Q: What is the housing market like for a new firefighter?
A: Very favorable. With a median home price of $140,000 - $160,000, a firefighter earning the median **$