Firefighter in Hastings, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Hastings Stands

As a local who’s watched this city’s economy shift over decades, I can tell you straight: Firefighting in Hastings offers a stable, middle-class living, but it won’t make you rich. The key is understanding where the numbers land compared to the cost of living, which is notably lower here than the national average. Let’s break down the data.

Median Salary: $55,492/year
Hourly Rate: $26.68/hour
National Average: $57,120/year
Jobs in Metro: 50
10-Year Job Growth: 4%

The median salary is slightly below the national average, which is typical for Nebraska’s smaller cities. However, the Cost of Living Index of 90.5 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches further here than in Omaha or Lincoln. The 10-year job growth of 4% is modest, indicating a stable but not booming market. With only 50 jobs in the metro, competition can be tight for openings, but turnover is low.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries for firefighters in Hastings are structured with clear progression based on tenure and certifications. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Years of Service	Est. Annual Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000	Starting pay after EMT/FF I & II certification. Often works as a probationary firefighter.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$53,000 - $60,000	At this stage, you gain specialty certifications (e.g., HazMat, Technical Rescue). Pay bump aligns with the median salary of $55,492.
Senior Firefighter	8-15 years	$61,000 - $68,000	Seniority pay, often leading to driver/engineer or station captain roles.
Expert/Command	15+ years	$69,000 - $78,000+	Battalion Chief or Fire Marshal roles. Top pay is dependent on the city's fire department budget and collective bargaining.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local collective bargaining agreements and BLS data for Nebraska’s non-metro areas. The exact figures depend on the Hastings Fire Department's specific contract.

Comparison to Other NE Cities

How does Hastings stack up against its neighbors? Let’s look at the numbers.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Takeaway
Hastings	$55,492	90.5	Lower pay but significantly lower living costs.
Omaha	$62,300	95.5	~$6,800 higher salary, but higher costs and more competition.
Lincoln	$60,800	94.0	Slightly higher pay and similar cost of living.
Grand Island	$56,200	91.0	Very similar to Hastings; a key competitor for local talent.
North Platte	$54,800	88.0	Slightly lower pay, even lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: If you're comparing job offers, don't just look at the salary. Run the numbers through a cost-of-living calculator. A $55,492 salary in Hastings can feel like a $62,000 salary in Omaha after you factor in rent, groceries, and utilities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’ve got the offer letter for the median salary of $55,492. What does your monthly budget actually look like in Hastings? We’ll assume single filing status for tax estimates and use the average 1BR rent of $859/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Firefighter Earning $55,492)

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,624	$55,492 / 12
Taxes (Fed, FICA, NE State)	-$960	~20-22% combined. This is an estimate; use a payroll calculator for precision.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,664	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR average)	-$859	Hastings is affordable.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$220	Varies by season. Winters can be colder.
Groceries	-$350	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$400	Public transport is limited; a car is essential.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$150	Many departments cover a large portion, but deductibles vary.
Retirement (NE PERS, 4.8%)	-$222	Mandatory for public employees in NE.
Discretionary Spending	$1,463	This is your buffer for savings, entertainment, and emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With $1,463 in discretionary income after essentials, saving for a down payment is feasible. The Hastings median home price sits around $180,000 - $220,000. A 10% down payment ($18,000-$22,000) could be saved in 1-2 years with disciplined budgeting. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to or less than renting a larger space. This is a major advantage of living in Hastings.

Where the Jobs Are: Hastings's Major Employers

While the Hastings Fire Department (HFD) is the primary employer for firefighters, the region’s healthcare and emergency services sector is robust. Most jobs here are with the city or nearby hospitals that require EMT/Paramedic and firefighting-trained personnel. Here are the key players:

1. Hastings Fire Department (HFD)

   • Details: The main employer. Serves a city of ~25,005 and the surrounding Adams County. HFD operates from 3 stations. They run a busy mix of structure fires, medical calls, and motor vehicle accidents. Hiring is competitive; they typically open applications every 1-2 years.
   • Hiring Trend: Stable. Due to the city's modest growth, they replace retirees. Knowing someone on the inside doesn't hurt.

2. Mary Lanning Healthcare

   • Details: The region's largest hospital. They have a robust Emergency Department and employ many paramedics. While not a fire department, they frequently hire EMTs and paramedics, offering a parallel career path. Many firefighters here have dual roles or work PRN for the hospital.
   • Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for clinical staff, especially with the aging population.

3. Adams County Sheriff's Office / 911 Dispatch

   • Details: Law enforcement and dispatch are intertwined with fire services. The county dispatch center handles fire, EMS, and police calls for Hastings and rural areas. Firefighters often interact closely with these agencies.
   • Hiring Trend: Steady. Dispatch is a high-turnover, high-stress job that often serves as a feeder for other emergency services.

4. Union Pacific Railroad

   • Details: Hastings is a major rail hub. Union Pacific employs a large workforce, including safety and emergency response staff. While not a traditional firefighting role, they have industrial fire protection and safety positions that can leverage fire training.
   • Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to the national rail industry. Hiring can be slow during economic downturns.

5. Hastings College

   • Details: The local liberal arts college. They have campus security and sometimes part-time roles for emergency services personnel. It's a good networking spot.
   • Hiring Trend: Limited, but consistent for part-time and support roles.

6. Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD)

   • Details: Provides electric service to Hastings. They have safety and line crew positions that require safety training similar to firefighting.
   • Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings tied to retirement cycles.

Insider Tip: The best way to get hired by HFD is to get your foot in the door early. Volunteer with the local VFD (Volunteer Fire Department) in a nearby town like Juniata or Hastings (if applicable), and get your EMT and Fire I/II certifications before you apply. The department values local ties.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s certification process is straightforward but requires dedication. You must be certified by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal (SFM) to work as a paid firefighter.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Basic Training: Complete a Nebraska Fire Marshal-approved Firefighter I & II Academy. This is typically a 300+ hour course covering essential skills. Local academies are held at community colleges or the State Fire School in Hastings (a major plus for the city).
2. EMT-Basic License: You must hold a current Nebraska EMT-Basic license. This requires a separate, ~150-hour course and passing the National Registry exam.
3. State Certification Exams: After completing your academy, you must pass written and practical exams administered by the SFM.
4. Physical Ability Test (PAT): Most departments, including HFD, require a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or equivalent.
5. Background Check & Driver’s License: A clean driving record and a valid Nebraska driver’s license are mandatory.
6. Hazardous Materials Operations (HazMat): Often required by HFD for promotion, this adds another 40+ hours of training.

Timeline and Costs:

• Timeline: From starting EMT class to being ready to apply at HFD can take 6-12 months. If you already have EMT, you can shorten this to 3-6 months for Fire I/II.
• Costs:
  • EMT-B Course: $800 - $1,500
  • Fire I/II Academy: $1,200 - $2,500 (sometimes covered by a sponsoring department)
  • Certification Exams: ~$200
  • Total Out-of-Pocket (if not sponsored): $2,200 - $4,200

Insider Tip: The Nebraska Fire School is headquartered in Hastings. Attending courses there is a fantastic way to network with instructors who are often senior fire officers from across the state. It’s a local advantage you can’t find elsewhere.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Hastings is a compact city. Most neighborhoods offer a short commute to downtown or Station 1. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It’s Good for Firefighters
Downtown Hastings	Walkable, historic, near bars/restaurants. Commute is a 5-10 minute drive or bike ride to any station.	$800 - $1,000	You’re in the heart of the action. Great for networking and easy access to the fire station after a long shift.
North Hastings	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Commute: 10-15 minutes.	$750 - $900	More space for your money. Safer, quieter for sleeping after night shifts. Easy access to North I-80 for off-duty trips.
South Hastings / Near Hastings College	Collegiate vibe, more rentals. Commute: 8-12 minutes.	$700 - $850	Affordable. Good for younger firefighters or those who want to be near the college atmosphere and events.
East Hastings (near Mary Lanning)	Convenient to the hospital. Commute: 5-10 minutes.	$800 - $950	Ideal if you also work PRN at Mary Lanning. Quick response if you’re ever called in off-duty.
West Hastings / Near St. Joseph’s	Established, quiet. Commute: 10 minutes.	$750 - $900	Great for families. Close to parks and schools. A short, predictable commute to the fire stations.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to buy, the North Hastings area offers the best value for single-family homes with yards, which is perfect for a firefighter family needing space and a quiet place to decompress.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Hastings is predictable and based on seniority and specialization. The 10-year job growth of 4% means you likely won’t see dramatic expansion, but advancement is still possible.

• Specialty Premiums: HFD offers pay incentives for specialized training. Getting your HazMat Operations, Technical Rescue (Confined Space, Rope), and Paramedic certification can add $1,500 - $3,000 annually to your base salary. This is the fastest way to increase your earnings without waiting for a promotion.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Firefighter → Engineer/Driver: Operates the fire apparatus. Requires seniority and a clean driving record.
  2. Engineer → Captain: Leads a shift on an engine or ladder truck. Requires strong leadership and advanced certifications.
  3. Captain → Battalion Chief: Supervises multiple companies. Highly competitive, requires extensive experience and a bachelor’s degree (often in fire science or public administration) is becoming the standard.
  4. Specialized Roles: Fire Inspector/Investigator, Arson Investigator, Training Chief. These are often filled by senior officers.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable. The city’s population growth is minimal, so the number of firefighting jobs won’t surge. However, the aging workforce guarantees retirements. The key for long-term growth will be specializing in technical rescue or becoming a certified Paramedic to move into the EMS side, which is growing faster due to the healthcare demands of the aging population. A Bachelor’s degree will be almost mandatory for anyone eyeing a command position within the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Hastings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Quality of Life: Low cost of living, short commutes, and a strong sense of community.	Limited Career Mobility: The 50 jobs in the metro and 4% growth mean you might need to move to advance.
Stable, Predictable Employment: The HFD is a solid, unionized employer with good benefits and pension.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Omaha or Lincoln.
Strong Training Infrastructure: Home to the Nebraska Fire School, offering top-tier local training.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you’re used to big-city amenities, Hastings can feel quiet.
Affordable Homeownership: You can realistically buy a home on a firefighter’s salary here.	Weather: Winters are cold and windy; summers are hot and humid.
Tight-Knit Fire Community: It’s easier to get to know everyone in the regional fire service.	Competition for Openings: With few jobs, each opening attracts many qualified applicants.

Final Recommendation:
Hastings is an excellent choice for a firefighter who prioritizes work-life balance, affordability, and community over the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for:

• New firefighters looking to get their start in a supportive environment with low living costs.
• Mid-career firefighters seeking a slower pace and the chance to buy a home.
• Those with families who want good schools and safe neighborhoods.

It’s not the best fit for those chasing the fastest career growth or the highest earnings potential. For that, you’d look to Omaha or Lincoln. But for a sustainable, fulfilling career with a strong foundation, Hastings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How do I apply to the Hastings Fire Department?
A: Monitor the City of Hastings website’s “Jobs” page. Applications are typically accepted online for a short window (2-4 weeks). You must have your EMT and Fire I/II certifications at the time of application.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. The 90.5 Cost of Living Index is accurate. Groceries, utilities, and especially rent are significantly cheaper than the national average. Your $55,492 median salary goes much further here.

Q: What’s the housing market like for a single person?
A: Very manageable. The average 1BR rent of $859 is realistic. Buying a small starter home is within reach for most firefighters within a few years of saving.

Q: Do I need to live in Hastings to work there?
A: Not necessarily, but you’ll be competing with local candidates who have ties to the community. Many firefighters live in nearby towns like Kenesaw or Juniata and commute. A 15-20 minute drive is common and not considered a barrier.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process?
A: Very. With only 50 jobs in the metro and 4% growth, openings are rare. It’s common for HFD to receive 50-100 applications for 2-4 positions. Having your EMT, Fire I/II, and a clean record is the baseline. What sets