Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Jackson, Wyoming.

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Firefighter Career Guide: Jackson, Wyoming

As a local career analyst, I’ve seen my share of professionals drawn to Jackson by the mountains and the lifestyle. For firefighters, this town presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Jackson isn’t a typical city; it’s a resort community with a permanent population of around 10,700, but that number can swell to over 100,000 during peak tourist seasons. This dynamic puts a specific strain on emergency services, creating a distinct career path.

This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local landscape, and the day-to-day realities of the job, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Wyoming State Licensing Board, and local market analysis.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

When you look at the raw numbers, Jackson’s firefighter salary sits just below the national average. The median salary for firefighters here is $56,605 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.21. The national average for the occupation is $57,120, so you’re looking at a slight dip of about 1%, which is common for cost-of-living-adjusted markets. However, the cost of living here (Index: 97.0) is slightly below the national average, which helps balance the scale.

The job market is tight and hyper-local. With only 21 jobs in the metro area, openings are competitive and typically arise from retirement rather than expansion. The 10-year job growth for the region is projected at a modest 4%, meaning positions are stable but not rapidly expanding. You’re not looking at a boomtown hiring frenzy; you’re looking at a stable, insular market that values long-term commitment.

Experience-Level Breakdown

It's crucial to understand that fire departments in the Jackson area, primarily Teton County Fire & Rescue, use structured pay scales. While the median is $56,605, your individual salary will hinge heavily on your experience, certifications, and rank.

Experience Level	Title/Role	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Firefighter/EMT	$48,000 - $53,000	Structural & wildland firefighting, basic EMT calls, vehicle extrication, station duties.
Mid-Level	Senior Firefighter/Paramedic	$56,000 - $64,000	Leads crews on calls, advanced life support (ALS) certified, specialty equipment operator (e.g., water rescue).
Senior-Level	Lieutenant / Captain	$68,000 - $78,000	Shift supervisor, incident command, training coordinator, advanced administrative duties.
Expert-Level	Battalion Chief / Fire Chief	$85,000 - $110,000+	Department-wide administration, budgeting, strategic planning, public relations.

Note: Ranges are estimates based on regional pay scales and may include overtime, specialty pay, and 24-hour shift differentials.

How Jackson Compares to Other WY Cities

Wyoming’s fire service landscape is diverse. Jackson is a high-cost, high-demand outlier compared to more industrial cities like Casper or Cheyenne.

City	Metro Population	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Housing Pressure
Jackson	10,746	$56,605	97.0	Extremely High
Cheyenne	~99,000	$56,280	98.5	Moderate
Casper	~77,000	$57,190	95.8	Low
Laramie	~32,000	$55,800	96.2	Low-Moderate

While Cheyenne and Casper offer slightly higher median salaries, they are larger cities with more traditional urban/suburban hazards. Jackson’s challenge is the unique combination of extreme weather, wilderness proximity, and massive seasonal population influx, which can make the job more complex and demanding than in other Wyoming locales.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $56,605 pre-tax translates to approximately $4,275 per month before deductions. After federal, state (Wyoming has no state income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $3,400 - $3,500 per month.

The elephant in the room is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Jackson is $921/month. This is surprisingly affordable compared to the national median, but it’s a citywide average. In reality, affordable units are scarce, and you’ll likely pay more for a newer or more central apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Firefighter Earning $56,605)

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter living in Jackson.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,717	$56,605 / 12
Take-Home Pay	$3,450	After taxes (est.)
Rent (1BR Avg)	$921	Could be higher; shop early.
Utilities & Internet	$250	Includes electric, gas, internet.
Groceries & Food	$400	Groceries are more expensive here.
Vehicle & Fuel	$400	AWD is essential; commute varies.
Insurance (Health/Car)	$350	May be covered by employer.
Discretionary/Other	$600	Savings, entertainment, gear.
Total Expenses	$2,921
Monthly Surplus	$529	For savings, debt, or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the toughest question. The median home price in Teton County is over $800,000. Even with a 20% down payment ($160,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6% would be roughly $3,800 per month—far exceeding the take-home pay of $3,450. Homeownership is not feasible for a single-income firefighter at the median salary level. You would need a dual-income household, a side business, or to purchase property outside the county (e.g., in Idaho, though that comes with its own commute challenges).

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The fire service in Jackson is not a large, disparate market. It’s a tight-knit community with a few key employers. The vast majority of career firefighter positions are with the Teton County Fire & Rescue (TCFR), which protects the entire county, including the Town of Jackson and world-renowned Grand Teton National Park.

1. Teton County Fire & Rescue (TCFR): The primary employer. TCFR operates 7 stations, responds to over 4,000 calls annually, and covers everything from structure fires in downtown Jackson to wilderness rescues in the Tetons. Hiring Trend: TCFR typically hires once or twice a year, with very few openings. The process is rigorous, involving a written exam, CPAT, panel interviews, and a background check. They value candidates with EMT or Paramedic certification as the majority of their calls are medical.

2. Jackson Hole Fire/EMS (Town of Jackson): While TCFR manages the county, the Town of Jackson also has its own specialized units. This is often a blended system, but positions may be advertised separately. Hiring Trend: Hires are infrequent and often directed at internal promotions or lateral transfers from other Wyoming departments.

3. Grand Teton National Park (NPS) - Fire Management: The National Park Service has a dedicated fire management program. They hire Wildland Firefighters (GS-3/4 levels) for seasonal and permanent positions. These roles focus on prescribed burns, wildfire suppression, and public education. Hiring Trend: Seasonal jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov in the winter/spring. Permanent positions are rare and highly competitive.

4. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR): JHMR employs a small team of patrollers who are certified EMTs and are often cross-trained in firefighting and rescue. While not traditional municipal firefighters, they are a significant part of the local emergency response network. Hiring Trend: Seasonal and year-round positions available, with a strong preference for prior experience.

5. St. John’s Health (formerly St. John’s Hospital): While not a fire department, St. John’s is the county’s only hospital and a major employer for Paramedics and EMTs. Some firefighters work here on their off-days for extra income and experience. Hiring Trend: Stable employment with occasional openings for paramedics.

6. Town of Jackson (Public Works/Utilities): Occasionally, positions for operators or maintenance staff with heavy machinery experience may be posted. While not fire-specific, these skills (like driving large vehicles) can be transferable to a fire service role. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady.

Insider Tip: The most important step is to get your name on the Teton County Fire & Rescue Civil Service List. When a position opens, they often draw from this pre-qualified pool of applicants. Check their website regularly for announcements.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a clear but non-negotiable licensing path. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Wyoming Board of Fire Professionals oversee this process.

Step 1: Certifications (The Non-Negotiables)

• EMT-B or EMT-P: This is the golden ticket. The majority of calls in Jackson are medical. You must be certified in Wyoming. If you’re coming from another state, you’ll need to apply for reciprocity through the Wyoming Department of Health. Cost: ~$100 for reciprocity application.
• Firefighter I & II: These are the national standards (NFPA 1001) for structural firefighting. Most career departments, including TCFR, require these certifications before or immediately after hiring. You can get these through a Wyoming state-accredited academy. Cost: $1,500 - $3,000.
• Driver/Operator (Pumper): While not always required at the time of hire, this certification is essential for advancement. Cost for training: ~$800.

Step 2: State Certification
After completing your training, you must apply for certification through the Wyoming Board of Fire Professionals. The application fee is $50.

Step 3: Background Check & Physical
All candidates must pass a thorough background check and a physical agility test, typically the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This is a rigorous, timed obstacle course simulating real fireground tasks. You must train for this.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you are already a certified Firefighter/EMT: The process is faster. Reciprocity for EMT can take 4-6 weeks. Applying for the local civil service list can be done anytime. Hiring cycles are 6-12 months.
• If you need training: You’re looking at a 9-12 month timeline. This includes EMT school (3-6 months), followed by Fire I/II academy (3-6 months).

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

In Jackson, your commute is defined more by weather and road conditions than by distance. Living close to your station is a huge advantage during winter storms.

1. Downtown Jackson (Town of Jackson): The heart of the action. You’re close to Station 1 (main station), restaurants, and community life. Commute is a 5-10 minute walk or drive. Lifestyle: Walkable, social, but noisy and expensive. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.

2. East Jackson (South Park Loop, etc.): A mix of older homes, apartments, and some newer developments. You’re still close to downtown but with a bit more space. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown stations. Lifestyle: More residential, family-friendly. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.

3. Rendezvous Mountain (South of Town): Primarily a residential area with single-family homes. Offers stunning views of the Teton Range but can have a longer commute in poor weather. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Lifestyle: Quiet, scenic, less traffic. Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; 1BR rentals are rare, but if found, around $950 - $1,300/month.

4. Wilson (West of Town): This area is across the Snake River and is a popular, slightly more affordable alternative. However, the Teton Pass between Wilson and Jackson is a notorious, winding mountain road that closes frequently in winter. Commute: 20-30 minutes via the Pass, or 45+ minutes the long way around. Lifestyle: Rural, community-oriented, with its own small town feel. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.

5. Victor/Driggs, Idaho (The "Commute" Option): Many service workers live in the Teton Valley (Idaho) where housing is more affordable. However, this is a real commute (45-90 minutes each way) and leaves you isolated from your station during off-duty emergencies or training. Lifestyle: Affordable, family-oriented, but logistically challenging for a firefighter. Rent Estimate: $700 - $950/month for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: Your first priority should be securing housing before accepting a job offer. The rental market is incredibly tight. Network with other firefighters for leads on shared houses or sublets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in Jackson follows a traditional but specialized path. Your growth is tied to certifications, specialty pay, and rank.

• Specialty Premiums: TCFR offers additional pay for specialized skills, which can boost your income by $1,000 - $5,000+ annually. Key certifications include:

  • Paramedic: The most valuable certification, often tied to a pay differential.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Swift Water, Confined Space): Critical for the wilderness environment.
  • Wildland Firefighter (Red Card): Essential for the summer fire season.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: A path toward administrative roles.

• Advancement Path: The typical ladder is Firefighter → Engineer (Driver) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief → Fire Chief. Each step requires additional training, testing, and seniority. Promotion to Captain and above is highly competitive and often involves administrative and budgeting skills.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, retirements will be the main source of openings. The demand for Paramedic-certified firefighters will remain high. The role is stable but may see increased focus on wildfire mitigation and medical response due to climate and demographic trends. Long-term, moving into a fire prevention or public education role could be a rewarding off-ramp from frontline duties.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

You must weigh the unique pros and cons of working as a firefighter in a high-cost, high-reward mountain town.

Pros	Cons
Unique Work Environment: Unmatched wilderness rescue and technical challenges. The scenery is your office.	Housing Crisis: Homeownership is likely off the table. Renting is competitive and stressful.
Strong Community: You become part of a tight-knit, essential service family in a small town.	High Cost of Living (Relative to Salary): While the index is 97, food, entertainment, and goods are pricey.
Stable Employment: Once you're in, the job is very secure with good benefits and a pension.	Isolation: Limited networking outside of emergency services; long drives to major cities.
Work-Life Balance (in theory): 24-hour shifts mean more days off consecutively, which is great for outdoor recreation.	Seasonal Stress: The population boom from May-October creates immense pressure on the system.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further than in many other states.	Intense Competition: Very few jobs, so you must be the best candidate.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is not for the firefighter looking for an easy, traditional urban/suburban career or one focused on homeownership. It is for the adventurous, physically fit, and highly skilled specialist who values outdoor access over material wealth. If you are a Paramedic-certified firefighter with a passion for wilderness medicine and can handle a unique housing situation, Jackson offers an extraordinary career that you won’t find anywhere else.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a Paramedic to get hired in Jackson?
A: While not an absolute requirement for every single position, it is overwhelmingly preferred. TCFR runs a high volume of medical calls. Having your Paramedic certification puts you at the top of the applicant pool and you may receive a pay differential.

Q: How competitive is the CPAT for this department?
A: It is the standard national test, so it’s challenging but fair. The key is to train for it specifically. The altitude (Jackson is