Firefighter in Laramie, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Laramie Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Laramie’s firefighter salaries are a classic case of “you get what you get.” The cost of living here is your best friend, but the paychecks aren’t going to make you rich. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for a firefighter in Laramie is $55,543/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.7/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year. However, when you factor in Laramie's cost of living index of 90.8 (where the US average is 100), that local salary stretches further than you might think. There are approximately 63 jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but stable. You’re not looking at explosive growth, but you’re also not looking at a dying field.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. These are industry-standard progression estimates based on Laramie’s municipal pay scales.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Estimate	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $48,000	$21.65 - $23.08
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	$25.00 - $27.88
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	$28.85 - $32.69
Expert/Lieutenant+ (15+ years)	$70,000+	$33.65+

Insider Tip: The jump to Lieutenant or Captain is where you’ll see a significant salary increase, often tied to specialized training (like Hazmat or Tech Rescue). The base pay is steady, but certifications are your key to higher earnings.

Compared to other Wyoming cities, Laramie is middle-of-the-pack. Cheyenne, as the state capital and a larger metro, often has slightly higher pay scales due to a larger tax base and more complex emergency services. Casper, with its oil and gas industry, also tends to offer higher compensation. However, Laramie’s proximity to the University of Wyoming provides a stable, if not booming, employment environment, and the community connection is strong.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. A $55,543 salary sounds manageable, but what’s left after the essentials? We’ll use the median salary for this breakdown, assuming a single filer with standard deductions.

Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $4,628
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,060
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,568

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Firefighter:

• Rent (1BR Average): $917
• Utilities (Heat is a big one in WY): $150
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/ Gas: $450 (Laramie is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $250
• Retirement (Firefighters often have 457(b) plans): $250
• Miscellaneous (Food out, entertainment, savings): $500
• Total: $2,867

Surplus: ~$700/month.

This surplus is your buffer for savings, unexpected expenses, or saving for a down payment. The math works, but it’s not luxurious. You can live comfortably, but you must be disciplined.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires patience and a partner’s income. The median home price in Laramie is around $330,000. With a $700 monthly surplus, you could realistically save $8,400 per year for a down payment. It would take about 5-6 years to save a 10% down payment ($33,000). However, many firefighters in Laramie pair up, and with two steady incomes, buying a home in neighborhoods like Sunridge or West Laramie becomes very attainable within a few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Laramie's Major Employers

Laramie’s fire service is almost entirely centered around one major employer, with a few niche opportunities. Here’s the lay of the land:

1. Laramie Fire Department (LFD): This is your primary employer. LFD operates 3 stations covering the city and surrounding areas. They run a 48/96 shift schedule (48 hours on, 96 off), which is standard and preferred by many. They handle everything from structure fires to medical assists (EMS is a huge part of the job here). Hiring is periodic, often tied to retirements or grant funding. Insider Tip: The department values community involvement and has strong ties to the University of Wyoming. Getting involved in local events is a plus.

2. Albany County Fire District #1: This covers areas outside the city limits, including parts of west Laramie and unincorporated communities like Rock River. They often have a mix of career and volunteer firefighters, but they do hire full-time staff. The pay may be slightly different from the city department. Their response area is vast and includes wildland interface zones.

3. University of Wyoming (UW) Emergency Services: UW has its own campus police and fire/emergency response. They occasionally hire for dedicated fire safety officer roles or for their emergency management team. It’s a more specialized environment focused on a campus community and large event planning (think football games). The benefits package is typically excellent.

4. Wyoming State Forestry Division: For those with a wildland fire interest, this is a key employer. Laramie is near the Medicine Bow National Forest. Seasonal positions are common, but there are full-time wildland fire management roles. This requires different certifications (NWCG) but offers a different career path within fire suppression.

5. Cheyenne Fire & Rescue (Adjacent): While not in Laramie, Cheyenne is only a 30-minute drive. Their department is larger and often hires. Some Laramie residents commute for the higher pay scale. The job market is more competitive, but the growth is better (63 jobs in Laramie vs. more in Cheyenne).

6. Regional Hospital Fire Protection: Both Ivinson Memorial Hospital and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center have in-house safety officers and sometimes fire watch personnel, though these are less common full-time firefighter roles and more often facility safety positions.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady but not rapid. The 4% growth reflects a stable, aging workforce. Most openings are filled internally or through a competitive civil service exam. The best time to apply is in the spring and early summer, ahead of the budget cycles.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a straightforward licensing process managed by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office. It’s not overly burdensome, but it requires specific steps.

1. Certification: You must be certified through the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office, which aligns with National Professional Qualifications (ProBoard/NFPA). Most departments require IFSAC or ProBoard certification in Firefighter I & II at a minimum. If you’re coming from out-of-state, you’ll need to have your certifications verified and potentially reciprocity. Cost: The state certification exam fee is typically $75 per exam. Training costs are your biggest variable; many departments will put you through an academy if hired, but if you’re applying with no training, expect to pay for a course (can be $2,000 - $5,000).

2. EMT Certification: This is non-negotiable. In Wyoming, most firefighter positions require at least EMT-Basic (EMT-B). EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I) or Paramedic is a significant advantage. You must be certified by the Wyoming Department of Health. If you don’t have it, budget for the course ($1,000 - $1,500) and national exam fee (~$200).

3. Driver’s License: A clean, valid Wyoming driver’s license is required. If you’re moving, you’ll need to transfer your license within 30 days of residency.

4. Background & Physical: A clean criminal history is essential. You’ll also need to pass a rigorous physical agility test (CPAT) and a medical exam.

Timeline to Get Started:
If you’re already certified as a Firefighter and EMT, you could be in the application process within 1-2 months of moving. If you need training, plan for a 6-12 month timeline to complete Fire I/II and EMT-B, followed by the hiring process.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Laramie is a compact city, so your commute from any neighborhood to the downtown station (Station 1) is under 15 minutes. The choice comes down to lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Insider Tip
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, near restaurants/bars. Short commute.	$950 - $1,200	Great for younger firefighters who want to be in the action. Street parking can be a hassle.
West Laramie	Residential, family-friendly, near the river.	$850 - $1,050	Where many LFD personnel live. More house for your money. A bit of a commute to the east side of town.
East Laramie / Sunridge	Newer subdivisions, modern homes, quiet.	$900 - $1,150	Popular with young families. You’ll get more square footage. Easy highway access.
Albany / North Laramie	Older, established, close to the university.	$800 - $1,000	Affordable and stable. A mix of students and professionals. Good value for a first home.
Unincorporated Areas	Rural, more space, longer commute.	$700 - $900	For those who want a small acreage. You’ll be closer to wildland interfaces but farther from stores.

My Recommendation: For a firefighter new to Laramie, West Laramie offers the best balance of community feel, affordability, and reasonable commute. It’s where you’ll find the most colleagues and a supportive neighbor base.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Laramie, career growth is less about rapid promotion and more about specialization and tenure.

• Specialty Premiums: Laramie Fire Department offers incentive pay for special certifications. While exact numbers are department-specific, you can expect a 5-15% bump for EMT-Intermediate or Paramedic. Technical Rescue (rope, confined space, trench) and Hazmat certifications also trigger pay increases. Your base salary of $55,543 can grow to $65,000+ with these extras and rank advancement.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Firefighter → Engineer (driving/pumping) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires years of service, exams, and interviews. The process is merit-based and competitive. Leadership roles are highly valued.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is conservative. Growth will likely come from retirements and potential expansion of services (e.g., more EMS integration, specialized wildfire response). The biggest challenge will be Laramie’s ability to fund new positions beyond replacing retirees. For an individual, the outlook is stable; you can build a 30-year career here with good benefits and a pension, but you won’t see a department double in size.

Insider Tip: The University of Wyoming offers tuition assistance. Many firefighters use it to get a degree in Fire Science or Public Administration, which is a huge plus for promotion to Battalion Chief or Chief.

The Verdict: Is Laramie Right for You?

Laramie is a fantastic choice for a firefighter seeking a stable career, a strong sense of community, and an unparalleled work-life balance with that 48/96 schedule. It’s not for someone chasing the highest salary or the fastest-paced career growth.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living (90.8 index)	Salaries are below national average
Stable, community-focused department	Limited job openings (only ~63 in metro)
48/96 shift schedule	Slower career advancement pace
Access to outdoor recreation (Medicine Bow)	Requires a car; limited public transit
Strong benefits & pension system	Winters are long and can be harsh
Low crime rate, family-friendly	Limited nightlife/diversity

Final Recommendation:
Laramie is ideal for: The firefighter who values time off, loves the outdoors (hiking, skiing, fishing), wants to be part of a tight-knit community, and is looking for a stable, long-term career with excellent work-life balance.
Think twice if: Your primary goal is to maximize your salary in the shortest time, you crave a large metropolitan environment, or you are not prepared for the isolation and weather of a high-plains city.

FAQs

1. What is the cost of living really like?
It’s very manageable. A single firefighter earning the median $55,543 can live comfortably. The biggest expense is housing, and even that is half the national average. Groceries and utilities are reasonable, but you must budget for heating costs in the winter.

2. How do I get my foot in the door with LFD?
Start by getting your EMT-B and Firefighter I/II certifications. Then, take the civil service exam (if offered). Network by visiting stations (call first, don’t just show up). Volunteer with Albany County District #1 to build local experience. Persistence is key; hiring cycles are slow.

3. Is the 48/96 schedule as good as they say?
Absolutely. It’s one of the biggest perks. You work two days straight and are off for four. It allows for second jobs, family time, or travel. However, the 48-hour shift is demanding, and you need to manage your sleep and health meticulously.

4. What will my first year be like, financially?
Your first year, you’ll likely be in the academy (if not already certified), which may come with a slight pay reduction. Once on probation, you’ll be at the entry-level range (~$45k-$48k). Budget tightly the first year. After probation, you’ll move to the next pay grade and have more stability.

5. How does the pension work?
Wyoming has a strong public employee pension system. You contribute a percentage of your salary, and the employer matches. After 20-30 years of service (depending on your age at hire), you can retire with a defined benefit pension. This is a cornerstone of the long-term financial plan for Laramie firefighters.

Data Sources: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Laramie Area Housing Market Reports, Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office.