Firefighter in Kenosha, WI

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Kenosha, Wisconsin.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a firefighter considering Kenosha, let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a firefighter in the Kenosha metro area is $55,937/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.89/hour. This figure sits slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, a common reality for many skilled trades and public service roles in the Midwest. However, Kenosha's lower cost of living helps offset this. The metro area supports 196 jobs in the field, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it points to stable, consistent demand for qualified personnel, especially as current firefighters retire.

To give you a clearer picture of your potential earnings trajectory, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are typical ranges for the Kenosha area and surrounding counties, reflecting the common pay scales for municipal fire departments.

Experience Level	Typical Years on the Job	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-3	$48,000 - $58,000
Mid-Career	4-10	$62,000 - $78,000
Senior/Officer	11-20	$82,000 - $95,000+
Expert/Leadership	20+	$95,000 - $110,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on regional department pay scales. Top steps are often achieved through rank (Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief) and specialty certifications.

When you compare Kenosha to other Wisconsin cities, the context becomes even clearer. Milwaukee, for example, has a median salary closer to $65,000, but its cost of living is significantly higher. Madison's median sits around $60,000, again with a higher cost of living. Kenosha offers a "sweet spot" for firefighters who prioritize affordability and a community feel over the bustle of a larger metropolis. It’s a city where your paycheck, while not the highest in the state, goes noticeably further.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Kenosha-area departments often have robust overtime opportunities, which can significantly boost annual earnings. A mid-career firefighter can easily add $5,000 - $15,000+ to their base pay through overtime shifts, especially during summer events or peak fire seasons.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real: a salary figure is just a number until you see what's left after bills. For a single firefighter earning the median of $55,937/year, here’s a practical monthly budget breakdown for Kenosha.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kenosha is $1,071/month. The Cost of Living Index for Kenosha is 93.1 (compared to the US average of 100), meaning your money stretches about 7% further than the national average.

Sample Monthly Budget (Single Firefighter, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,661	($55,937 / 12)
Taxes (Est. 25%)	-$1,165	Includes federal, FICA, and state
Take-Home Pay	$3,496	Post-tax income
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,071
Utilities	-$180	Includes electric, gas, internet
Car Payment/Ins.	-$450	Varies widely; many opt for used cars
Groceries	-$400
Health Insurance	-$200	Often subsidized for city employees
Retirement/401k	-$385	8.5% contribution (common for WI plans)
Discretionary	$810	For savings, entertainment, misc.

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is finding affordable housing. You're not likely to rent a luxury downtown apartment on this salary alone, but you can find a decent, safe place in many neighborhoods.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. This is where Kenosha truly shines for firefighters. With a median home price around $240,000, a 20% down payment is $48,000. A 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would be roughly $1,276/month (property tax and insurance included in escrow). This is very close to the average rent. With disciplined saving for 3-5 years, especially leveraging overtime, a firefighter earning the median salary can realistically become a homeowner in Kenosha.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's firefighting jobs are primarily municipal, serving the city and surrounding towns. The hiring process is competitive, with written exams, CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), oral boards, and background checks. Here are the key employers:

1. Kenosha Fire Department (KFD): The largest employer, with 12 fire stations covering a population of nearly 100,000. KFD runs a full-time, paid-on-call model (career firefighters supplementing with part-time personnel). Hiring for full-time career positions is periodic but consistent, often 2-4 times per year depending on retirements. They actively recruit for diversity and offer strong training programs.

2. Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue: Serves the village to the south, which includes the large Amazon fulfillment center and a growing residential population. This department has been expanding, making it a prime target for applicants. They offer competitive pay and benefits, often comparable to KFD.

3. Somers Fire & Rescue District: Covers the village of Somers, which is experiencing significant commercial and residential development along the I-94 corridor. Their growth is coupled with an increased need for emergency services, leading to more frequent job openings.

4. Twin Lakes Fire Department: Located just west of Kenosha, this is a smaller, community-focused department. It's an excellent entry point for those looking to gain experience in a combination career/volunteer setting before potentially moving to a larger city.

5. Racine Fire Department: While in a different county, Racine is a direct 15-20 minute drive north of Kenosha. Racine FD is a large, established department that often posts openings. The commute is easy via I-94, and many Kenosha residents work in Racine. Don't limit your search to city limits.

Hiring Trends: The trend in SE Wisconsin is toward hiring slightly younger, fitter candidates who are tech-savvy and trained in modern fire science. Many departments, including KFD, are also prioritizing candidates with EMT or Paramedic certification, as medical calls often constitute 70-80% of their responses.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state-level firefighter certification like some states. Instead, certification is handled by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the Wisconsin Fire Standards & Training (WFST) board. Here’s the path:

1. Basic Firefighter Certification (S-130/190): This is your foundational "ticket." You must complete this course, which covers fire behavior, suppression, and safety. It's a rigorous course, often offered at technical colleges. In our area, Gateway Technical College (Kenosha Campus) is the primary provider. The course typically runs 120-160 hours and can cost between $1,500 and $2,500 in tuition and fees.

2. EMT-Basic (EMT-B) Certification: This is considered a minimum standard for most departments. The course is another 150+ hours and costs roughly $1,200 - $2,000. Many fire departments will sponsor your EMT-B training after you are hired, but having it beforehand makes you a much more competitive applicant.

3. NREMT Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam to become a licensed EMT-B in Wisconsin.

4. CPAT: Before you can be hired, you must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test. This is a standardized, pass/fail test that simulates real firefighting tasks. You can train for it on your own, but many candidates use the facilities at the Gateway Tech campus or local gyms.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch with no certifications, plan for 6-12 months. A typical path is to enroll in an EMT-B course first (3-4 months), then immediately follow with the S-130/190 course (another 2-3 months). You can then begin applying to departments. The testing and hiring process itself can take another 3-6 months.

Insider Tip: Contact the fire departments you're interested in before you start training. They can tell you exactly what certifications they prioritize and may even have a "prep program" or tuition reimbursement for new hires.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Kenosha is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel and commute to the central stations (like Station 1 on 60th St). Here are the top picks for a firefighter's lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Pleasant Prairie	Suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to KFD HQ.	$1,100 - $1,300	Great schools, newer housing stock, easy access to I-94. Home to many firefighters.
Somers (West of I-94)	Up-and-coming, more affordable. 10-15 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	You get more house for your money. Close to the commercial corridor and parks.
Northside/Uptown	Historic, urban feel. Walkable to downtown. 5-10 min to stations.	$800 - $1,050	Older, charming homes (A-frame styles). Lower rents. Close to the lakefront.
Southport	Quiet, residential. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	Stable, established neighborhood. Close to the marina and accessible to I-94.
Bristol (Village)	Small-town feel, 20 min west. Home to Bristol Fire Dept.	$900 - $1,100	If you work for Bristol FD, living here eliminates your commute. Very community-oriented.

For a single professional, Uptown or Northside offer a great balance of lower rent and proximity to bars, restaurants, and the lake. For those looking to settle down, Pleasant Prairie and Somers are the top choices.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Kenosha isn't just about putting out fires; it's about specialization and rank.

• Specialty Premiums: Once you're on-board, you can earn additional pay for specialized skills. Common certifications include:
  • Paramedic: The highest value add. Can come with a significant annual premium (often $5,000+).
  • Hazardous Materials Technician: For handling chemical spills and industrial accidents.
  • Technical Rescue: Training in trench collapse, high-angle rope rescue, and confined space.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: A path toward a more administrative, 9-to-5 schedule later in your career.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is from Firefighter to Engineer (driving the truck), then to Lieutenant (crew supervisor), Captain (station commander), and up to Battalion Chief. Each step comes with a pay increase and more responsibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, you can expect steady opportunities. The key to advancement will be seniority and specialization. In a decade, a firefighter who started at the median salary could be a mid-career officer earning $75,000 - $90,000+ with overtime, especially if they've obtained a Paramedic certification. The retirement system in WI (WRS) is also a major long-term benefit, offering a defined-benefit pension.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Kenosha offers a compelling case for firefighters, especially those who value community, affordability, and a stable career path over the high-stakes (and high-cost) life of a mega-city.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, making homeownership very attainable.	Below-National-Avg Salary: Base pay is lower than coastal cities or major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand with 196 jobs and 4% growth.	Limited Specialties: Smaller departments may have fewer niche teams (e.g., dive rescue).
Strong Community Feel: You're part of a team serving a tight-knit city.	Winters are Harsh: Be prepared for lake-effect snow and cold temps from Nov-Mar.
Great Location: Easy access to Milwaukee, Chicago, and Lake Michigan.	Slower Pace: Fewer major incidents compared to larger cities (a pro or con depending on you).
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Typically a 24/48 or 48/96 shift schedule.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an excellent choice for a firefighter who is at the start of their career or looking for a stable, long-term home base. It's especially ideal if you have or are willing to get your EMT-B/Paramedic license, as that will make you highly desirable. If your primary goal is to maximize your base salary above all else, you might look toward Milwaukee or Chicago. But if you want a career where you can buy a home, raise a family, and be a respected part of your community without drowning in living expenses, Kenosha is a top-tier contender.

FAQs

1. What's the biggest challenge of being a firefighter in Kenosha?
The biggest challenge is the lake-effect snow in the winter. Driving a 50,000-pound apparatus on icy, snow-covered roads requires intense skill and focus. It significantly increases the danger of every call during the coldest months.

2. Do I need to live in Kenosha to work for KFD?
Most departments, including KFD, have a residency requirement. You typically must live within a certain distance of the city limits (e.g., 5-10 miles) or within the county. Always check the specific department's hiring announcement for the exact rule.

3. How competitive is the hiring process for KFD?
Very competitive. For a typical class of 10-15 new hires, they may receive 300-500 applications. Your best assets are a high score on the written exam, a stellar oral board interview, and having your EMT-B already in hand.

4. What is the shift schedule like?
The most common schedule in the area is 24 hours on, 48 hours off (a "24/48" shift). Some departments are moving to a 48/96 schedule (two 48-hour shifts, then four days off). This provides an excellent work-life balance, allowing you to have large blocks of free time.

5. How do the benefits (pension, healthcare) compare to other jobs?
Excellent. As a municipal firefighter, you'll be part of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the most stable and well-funded public pensions in the country. Health insurance is typically comprehensive and subsidized by the city. These long-term benefits are a major reason the base salary is lower than in the private sector.

---

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kenosha County Economic Development, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (Cost of Living), Zillow Rental Market Data, and local municipal department job postings.