Firefighter in Lenexa, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Lenexa Stands

As a local who's watched Lenexa grow from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub, I can tell you the financial picture for firefighters here is stable, if not spectacular. The data paints a clear, practical reality. The median salary for a firefighter in Lenexa is $55,971/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.91/hour. It’s worth noting this sits just below the national average for firefighters, which is $57,120/year. For a city of our metro population—57,986 people—and with a cost of living index of 93.3 (meaning everything is about 6.7% cheaper than the US average), this salary provides a solid, middle-class foundation.

The job market here is tight. There are only about 115 firefighting jobs in the entire metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%. This isn't a place where you'll see explosive hiring booms; it's a market where openings are competitive and often filled by internal candidates or those already licensed in Kansas. You're not just applying for a job; you're applying to a community institution.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Typically starts at the bottom of the pay scale. Expect to work on probation for 6-18 months.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,971 (Median)	You'll hit the median salary range as you gain certifications and seniority.
Senior (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $72,000	Includes longevity pay, possible overtime, and specialty premiums.
Expert/Command (15+ years)	$75,000+	Battalion Chiefs, Fire Marshals, and specialized command staff.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Employer(s)
Lenexa	$55,971	93.3	Lenexa FD, Johnson County FD
Olathe, KS	$56,500	98.1	Olathe FD, Johnson County FD
Overland Park, KS	$58,000	102.5	Overland Park FD
Kansas City, MO	$59,800	91.5	KCFD

Data sourced from BLS, Sperling's BestPlaces, and local government job postings.

Lenexa’s appeal is the combination of a decent salary with a significantly lower cost of living than its neighbor, Overland Park. While Olathe pays slightly more, the difference is often offset by Lenexa's more affordable housing and no city income tax.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. On a $55,971 annual salary, your take-home pay in Kansas will be approximately $44,000 - $46,000 annually after federal, state (3.1% for KS, 5.7% over $15,000), and FICA taxes. That's roughly $3,750 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Lenexa is $839/month. This is a key number. For a single firefighter, this is very manageable.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Firefighter, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,750	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$839	Average for Lenexa
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, trash
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest used car
Groceries	$350	For one person, cooking at home
Health Insurance	$150	Through employer (after subsidy)
Retirement (5%)	$233	Pre-tax, critical for long-term
Misc. (Phone, etc.)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,372
Remaining (Discretionary)	$1,378	For savings, fun, emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the follow-up question. The median home price in Lenexa is around $285,000. Using the 28/36 rule (housing should be ≤28% of gross income), your max mortgage payment would be around $1,305/month (including taxes and insurance). With a 10% down payment ($28,500), a $256,500 loan at current rates (~7%) would have a P&I payment of about $1,700/month, which is too high on a single income of $55,971. However, many firefighters here are dual-income households, or they wait until they reach senior levels ($65,000+) and have saved a larger down payment. It's feasible with planning, but not immediate for a single, entry-level firefighter.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. On a $55,971 annual salary, your take-home pay in Kansas will be approximately $44,000 - $46,000 annually after federal, state (3.1% for KS, 5.7% over $15,000), and FICA taxes. That's roughly $3,750 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Lenexa is $839/month. This is a key number. For a single firefighter, this is very manageable.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Firefighter, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,750	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$839	Average for Lenexa
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, trash
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest used car
Groceries	$350	For one person, cooking at home
Health Insurance	$150	Through employer (after subsidy)
Retirement (5%)	$233	Pre-tax, critical for long-term
Misc. (Phone, etc.)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,372
Remaining (Discretionary)	$1,378	For savings, fun, emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the follow-up question. The median home price in Lenexa is around $285,000. Using the 28/36 rule (housing should be ≤28% of gross income), your max mortgage payment would be around $1,305/month (including taxes and insurance). With a 10% down payment ($28,500), a $256,500 loan at current rates (~7%) would have a P&I payment of about $1,700/month, which is too high on a single income of $55,971. However, many firefighters here are dual-income households, or they wait until they reach senior levels ($65,000+) and have saved a larger down payment. It's feasible with planning, but not immediate for a single, entry-level firefighter.

Where the Jobs Are: Lenexa's Major Employers

The job market here is defined by a few key players. You won't find dozens of private fire departments; it's a public sector game.

1. Lenexa Fire Department: This is your primary target. They run a combination career/volunteer system, but all full-time positions are competitive. They protect a city of over 58,000. They're known for modern apparatus and a focus on community risk reduction. They hire typically once every 1-2 years, often in cohorts of 3-5 firefighters.

2. Johnson County Fire Department (JCFD): This is a critical option. JCFD provides service to unincorporated areas of Johnson County, including parts of Lenexa. They often have more hiring opportunities than individual city departments due to their larger geography. Their stations are spread out, so commute times can vary.

3. Overland Park Fire Department: While not in Lenexa, it's a major employer just 10-15 minutes away. They are the largest department in the metro area and hire more frequently. Many firefighters live in Lenexa for the lower cost of living and commute to Overland Park. Their starting salary is slightly higher (~$58,000), which can offset the commute.

4. Olathe Fire Department: Another strong neighbor. Olathe is a large, growing city, and their department is expanding. The commute from Lenexa is straightforward via K-10 or I-435. They have a solid reputation for training and apparatus.

5. Johnson County Med-Act (EMS): While not a traditional fire department, Med-Act is a major emergency services provider in the county. Many firefighters here are cross-trained as paramedics. Working for Med-Act can be a stepping stone to a fire department, and they often partner with the fire districts for 911 calls.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward certified hires. Departments want you to have your Kansas Firefighter I/II certification and EMT-Basic (or Paramedic) before you apply. The "grow your own" model is less common now. This means the path to a Lenexa-area job often starts with a smaller, volunteer department in a rural part of Kansas to get your basic certs, or paying for a fire academy yourself.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has clear, state-mandated requirements. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office, under the Kansas Fire Commission, sets the standards.

1. Basic Certification (Firefighter I/II): This is a 160+ hour course that covers fundamental firefighting skills. It must be completed at a KSFA (Kansas State Firefighters Association) accredited academy. There are several across the state. The cost typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 for tuition, gear, and books. You must pass a practical and written exam.

2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic): Almost all Kansas departments require at least EMT-B. This is a 120-150 hour course. Many community colleges in the area offer it (like Johnson County Community College - JCCC). Cost is around $1,200 - $1,800. If you want to be highly competitive, becoming a Paramedic (12-18 months, cost $10,000+) is the golden ticket.

3. Physical Agility Test (PAT): You'll need to pass a CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or a department-specific PAT. This is a pass/fail obstacle course simulating job tasks. You should train for this specifically; it's not something you can wing.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-3: Enroll in and complete your EMT-B course.
• Months 4-7: Enroll in and complete your Firefighter I/II academy.
• Month 8: Begin applying to departments. Most have testing cycles.
• Months 9-12: Undergo the hiring process (written test, oral board, background check, medical, PAT). This can be lengthy.

Insider Tip: The Johnson County Fire Academy (operated by JCCC) is a top-tier, accredited program. Completing it carries weight with local departments. It's a direct pipeline to JCFD and other area agencies.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Lenexa puts you at the crossroads of the metro. Consider your station assignment and commute.

1. Old Town Lenexa: The historic core. Charming, walkable, with a small-town feel. You're close to City Hall and Station 1. Rent for a 1BR in a vintage building might be $900-$1,100. Commute to any station in the city is under 10 minutes.

2. Cedar Creek / Quiet Hills Area: Established, family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools. More single-family homes than apartments, but you can find townhomes. A 1BR apartment here is around $1,100-$1,250. Commute is excellent to all parts of Lenexa and a straight shot to Overland Park.

3. Lexington Lakes Area: Newer development with modern apartments and condos. Very close to the I-435/K-7 interchange, making commutes to Olathe, Overland Park, or even Kansas City, MO, very easy. Rents are on the higher side: $1,200-$1,400+. Popular with younger professionals.

4. Southern Lenexa (near K-10): This area is more affordable. You'll find a mix of older apartments and newer complexes. Rents can be as low as $750-$900 for a 1BR. The commute to central Lenexa is short, and you're close to major highways for access to other departments.

5. The "Commuter" Choice - Shawnee or De Soto: If you work for JCFD or a western station, consider Shawnee. It's just west of Lenexa, with a similar cost of living and a strong community. Rents are comparable ($800-$950). De Soto is further west, more rural, and cheaper ($700-$850), but the commute to central Lenexa can be 20+ minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Advancement in the Lenexa metro area follows a predictable path, with salary jumps tied to rank and certifications.

• Specialty Premiums: Many departments offer incentives. A Paramedic certification can add $2,000 - $5,000 annually to your base pay. Technical Rescue (Heavy Rescue), Hazmat, or Fire Inspector certifications also carry premiums. A common path is: Firefighter -> Paramedic -> Technical Rescue Specialist.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Firefighter -> Engineer/Driver-Operator: Requires additional training (pump operations, driving). Pay increase of ~$5,000-$8,000.
  • Engineer -> Lieutenant: A supervisory role. Requires strong leadership and experience. Pay increase to $60,000-$65,000 range.
  • Lieutenant -> Captain: Manages a station. Pay increases to $70,000-$78,000.
  • Captain -> Battalion Chief: Shift command, high-level management. Pay starts above $80,000.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, openings will be scarce. However, retirements are a factor. The key to growth here is lateral moves. A firefighter might start at JCFD, get their paramedic cert, and then apply to Overland Park for the higher pay and larger city experience. Or, move from a city department to a county fire marshal's office for a different career track (inspections, fire prevention). The most successful long-term careers are built on continuous education and a willingness to move between agencies for the right opportunity.

The Verdict: Is Lenexa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $55,971 salary goes further here. Rent is low.	Highly Competitive Market: Limited jobs (115 in metro), slow growth (4%).
Stable Department Culture: Lenexa and Johnson County FDs are well-regarded, well-funded.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top out lower than in Kansas City, MO or larger states.
Excellent Quality of Life: Safe, family-oriented, great parks, good schools.	Requires Certs Upfront: You need to be a certified firefighter/EMT to compete.
Strategic Location: Easy access to multiple major employers (Olathe, OP, KC).	Commute Can Be a Factor: Depending on where you live and where you get hired.
Strong Community Ties: Being a firefighter here means you're a visible pillar of the community.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Vibe: For those seeking a big-city feel, it's a suburb.

Final Recommendation:
Lenexa is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and financial sense. It's not the place for someone looking to make a quick, high salary or who wants a constant hustle. It's for the professional who wants to put down roots, buy a home eventually, and be part of a tight-knit crew. If you are willing to get