Firefighter Career Guide: Levittown CDP, PA

If you’re a firefighter looking to relocate, Levittown CDP, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of suburban affordability and proximity to a major metro area. As someone who’s spent years analyzing this region’s job market, I can tell you it’s a solid choice for those who value a stable, community-focused environment without the chaos of a big city. Levittown itself is a census-designated place (CDP) in Bucks County, about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. It’s not a major city, but it’s part of the larger Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Metro Statistical Area, which gives you access to a bigger job pool and professional networks.

Levittown was famously built as one of America’s first planned suburbs in the 1950s, and that legacy shows in its grid-like streets and tight-knit neighborhoods. Today, it’s a middle-class community with a population of around 50,930 in the metro area. The cost of living here is slightly above the national average (103.5 compared to a US average of 100), but housing is relatively affordable—a key factor for firefighters earning a median salary. Speaking of which, let’s dive into the numbers.

The Salary Picture: Where Levittown CDP Stands

Firefighting salaries in Levittown CDP are competitive for the region, but they’re not skyrocketing. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and local job postings, the median salary for a firefighter here is $57,719/year, or about $27.75/hour. That’s slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, which is a plus given the cost of living. The metro area has about 101 firefighting jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%—a modest but steady increase, driven by retirements and occasional expansions in volunteer or combined departments.

Here’s a breakdown by experience level, based on typical pay scales for Bucks County fire departments (including volunteer and career hybrid models). Note that many roles here are part-time or volunteer-based, which can affect total compensation. I’ve used data from the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s office and BLS to estimate these ranges.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00	Often starts with volunteer or probationary roles. Requires EMT certification.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	$26.44 - $29.81	Full-time positions with benefits. Includes shift differentials.
Senior (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	$31.25 - $36.06	Leadership roles like Lieutenant or Captain. Premium for specialties.
Expert (15+ years)	$75,000 - $85,000+	$36.06 - $40.87	Battalion Chief or Battalion Chief. Top earners in command staff.

Compared to other Pennsylvania cities, Levittown’s median of $57,719 holds up well. In Philadelphia, the median is higher (around $65,000) but the cost of living is much steeper. In Pittsburgh, it’s closer to $60,000, but job growth is slower. Harrisburg offers similar pay but fewer openings. Rural areas like State College might pay less (median $52,000) but have lower living costs. Levittown strikes a balance—close enough to Philly for higher-paying gigs, but with smaller-town vibes. Insider tip: Many firefighters here supplement income by taking on EMS roles or overtime, which can add $5,000-$10,000 annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

With a median salary of $57,719, your take-home pay after taxes looks decent in Levittown. Let’s break it down monthly. Assume a single filer with no dependents, using Pennsylvania’s flat state income tax (3.07%) and federal rates (12% bracket for this income). Social Security and Medicare deductions add about 7.65%. Total estimated taxes: ~25% of gross, leaving you with about $43,289 net annually, or $3,607/month.

• Gross Monthly: $4,810
• Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,203
• Net Monthly: ~$3,607

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Levittown CDP costs $1,190/month. That’s 33% of your net income—right at the recommended 30% threshold for housing affordability. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a firefighter earning the median:

Category	Monthly Cost	% of Net Income	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,190	33%	Utilities not included (~$150 extra).
Groceries	$350	10%	Pair with meal prep to save.
Transportation	$250	7%	Car insurance is higher in PA (~$120/month).
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$200	6%	Older homes in Levittown can have high heating bills.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$200	6%	Often provided by departments, but co-pays add up.
Savings/Retirement (401k/IRA)	$500	14%	Aim for 10-15% to build wealth.
Discretionary (Entertainment, etc.)	$317	9%	Parks and local events are low-cost.
Total	$3,007	83%	Leaves room for emergencies.

Can you afford to buy a home? Levittown’s median home price is around $280,000. With a $57,719 salary, a 20% down payment ($56,000) is tough without savings, but possible with discipline. A 30-year mortgage at 6% interest would be about $1,340/month (including taxes/insurance), slightly above rent but doable if you’re mid-career. PMI (private mortgage insurance) adds $100-200/month if your down payment is under 20%. I’ve seen firefighters buy here by starting with a condo or duplex—cheaper entry points. Pro tip: Look into PA’s first-time homebuyer programs through PHFA, which offer down payment assistance for public servants like firefighters.

Where the Jobs Are: Levittown CDP’s Major Employers

Levittown isn’t a massive job hub, but it’s strategically located in Bucks County, where fire departments are a mix of all-volunteer, combination (paid/volunteer), and some full-time career stations. Most jobs are with the Levittown Fire Company (#1 and #2) or nearby township departments. The metro area has 101 firefighting positions, with hiring steady but competitive—expect 3-5 openings per year locally. Trends show a push for more EMT-certified candidates due to rising EMS call volumes.

Here are 5-7 specific local employers, based on recent postings and department websites:

1. Levittown Fire Company #1 (100 E. Lincoln Highway): The oldest volunteer department in the area, serving the core Levittown CDP. They hire part-time firefighters/EMTs (pay: $22-28/hour). Hiring trend: Increasing hybrid roles to cover daytime shifts. About 10-15 openings annually.

2. Levittown Fire Company #2 (3500 New Falls Road): Covers the northern section, including the Levittown Park area. Offers full-time lieutenant positions ($60,000+). Trend: Actively recruiting for diversity and female firefighters; 2-4 hires/year.

3. Middletown Township Fire Department (1 Municipal Drive, 5 miles away): Serves Levittown’s eastern edges. Full-time roles with benefits; median pay $58,000. Trend: Growing due to new housing developments; 5-8 openings in the next two years.

4. Bristol Borough Fire Department (250 Market St, 8 miles west): A combination department with career staff. Hires EMTs at $55,000 starting. Trend: Steady retirements; prefer candidates with hazmat training.

5. Lower Bucks Hospital (501 Bath Road, Bristol): Not a fire department, but affiliated EMS roles (firefighters often moonlight here). Pay: $25-30/hour. Trend: Partnerships with local firehouses for mutual aid; hiring for paramedics.

6. Pennsylvania State Fire Academy (1155 State Road, 15 miles north in New Britain): Training hub. They hire instructors and support staff. Pay: $65,000+. Trend: Expanding online courses; great for advancement.

7. Upper Bucks County Technical School (3100 Old Bethlehem Pike, 20 miles north): Offers fire science programs and hires part-time instructors. Pay: $40,000-$50,000. Trend: Increasing enrollments; more adjunct roles available.

Insider tip: Network at the Levittown Firefighters Association meetings (held monthly at the VFW on Route 13). Many jobs aren’t advertised—word-of-mouth is key.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania requires all firefighters to be certified through the State Fire Commissioner (SFC) or equivalent. For career roles, you’ll need Act 70 certification (firefighter I/II). Costs and timelines vary, but here’s the practical rundown based on the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy’s requirements:

• Basic Requirements: Must be 18+, high school diploma/GED, pass a background check, and have a valid driver’s license. EMT-B certification is often required (and paid for by employers).
• Training Timeline: 6-12 months for entry-level. Firefighter I/II takes 200-300 hours (6-8 weeks full-time) at the academy ($1,500-$2,500 if self-funded; often free via department sponsorship). EMT-B is 120-150 hours ($1,000-$2,000).
• Total Costs: If paying out-of-pocket, expect $3,000-$5,000 for full certification. Many Bucks County departments reimburse 50-100% after hiring. Annual recertification is ~$100.
• Steps to Start:
  1. Apply to a local volunteer department for on-the-job training (free).
  2. Enroll in a community college like Bucks County Community College (Newtown campus, 20 miles away)—they offer accelerated fire science programs ($250/credit).
  3. Take the SFC exam (offered quarterly in Harrisburg or Philadelphia).
  4. Get your Act 70 card (valid for 4 years).

Insider tip: The Philadelphia Fire Department’s training academy is a great alternative (1 hour drive) and accepts out-of-towners; it’s more intense but opens metro-wide doors. Start with volunteer work in Levittown to build creds—it’s the fastest path.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Levittown CDP is divided into 12 sections (A-L), but firefighters often live near their stations for quick commutes (<15 minutes). These 4-5 neighborhoods strike a balance of affordability, safety, and access to amenities. Rent estimates are for 1BR units and based on Zillow/Redfin data.

1. Levittown Core (Sections A-D): Heart of the CDP, near Levittown Fire #1. Walkable to shops and parks. Commute: 5-10 min to most stations. Rent: $1,100/month. Lifestyle: Family-friendly, older homes but well-maintained. Great for new firefighters.

2. Levittown Park (Sections E-F): Northeast corner, quieter with green spaces. Close to Middletown Township stations. Commute: 10-15 min. Rent: $1,250/month. Lifestyle: More suburban feel, ideal for those with kids. Low crime rate.

3. Fairless Hills (Adjacent, 5 miles south): Technically outside CDP but Levittown-adjacent; popular with firefighters due to newer builds and easy access to Route 1. Commute: 10 min to Levittown stations. Rent: $1,300/month. Lifestyle: Mix of young professionals and families; good gyms and restaurants.

4. Bristol (West, 8 miles): Historic borough bordering Levittown. Closer to Bristol Borough FD. Commute: 15-20 min. Rent: $1,050/month. Lifestyle: Riverfront views, walkable downtown. Lower cost but older infrastructure.

5. Langhorne (North, 10 miles): Upscale option with better schools. Near Penn State Health’s ER. Commute: 20 min max. Rent: $1,400/month. Lifestyle: More polish, but safer and with better services. Top choice for senior firefighters.

Insider tip: Avoid high-rent areas like Newtown if you’re starting out—stick to Levittown sections for budget reasons. Check flood zones; parts of Levittown are prone to flooding from Neshaminy Creek.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Firefighting in Levittown is a marathon, not a sprint. With 10-year job growth at 4%, advancement comes through experience and specialties rather than rapid expansion. Mid-career shifts (years 5-10) can bump pay by 20-30% via premiums.

• Specialty Premiums: Hazmat certification adds $5,000-$8,000 annually. Technical rescue (rope/confined space) or arson investigation roles offer $3,000-$6,000 extra. In Bucks County, EMT-Paramedic is a must—boosts salary to $62,000+.
• Advancement Paths: Start as Firefighter/EMT → Lieutenant (after 5-7 years, $65,000) → Captain ($72,000) → Battalion Chief ($80,000+). Many move to regional roles like Bucks County Fire Marshal ($75,000). Volunteering leads to full-time faster.
• 10-Year Outlook: Demand will rise slightly with population growth (metro is expanding) and retirements (average age 45+). However, automation in EMS might reduce some roles. Upskill in wildfire prevention (relevant with PA’s drying climate) or digital forensics for arson. Long-term, Levittown offers stability—low turnover means you’ll build deep community ties.

Insider tip: Join the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2687 for Bucks County. They negotiate contracts and offer scholarships for certifications.

The Verdict: Is Levittown CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable housing ($1,190/month rent) vs. higher salaries ($57,719 median).	Limited full-time jobs (101 in metro); heavy reliance on volunteer shifts.
Proximity to Philadelphia for higher-paying gigs (45-min drive).	Modest growth (4% over 10 years); not ideal for rapid career climbers.
Strong community support; tight-knit firehouses.	Older infrastructure; occasional flooding issues.
Low cost of living (103.5 index) with good schools and parks.	Car-dependent; public transit is minimal.
Access to quality training (PA Fire Academy nearby).	Competition for spots; need EMT/paramedic certs upfront.

Final Recommendation: If you’re a mid-career firefighter seeking stability, community, and a work-life balance, Levittown CDP is a strong yes—especially if you value affordability over urban excitement. It’s perfect for those starting out with volunteer experience or families wanting suburban comfort. If you’re chasing top-tier pay or fast promotions, look to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh instead. Overall, with its median salary above national average and reasonable rents, it’s a practical spot for a long-term career.

FAQs

Q: What’s the job market like for entry-level firefighters in Levittown?
A: Competitive but open. Most start as volunteers at Levittown Fire #1 or #2, earning $21-25/hour part-time. With EMT-B (6-8 weeks training), you can land a full-time role within 1-2 years. Hiring is steady—check the Bucks County Fire Association website for postings.

Q: How does the cost of living affect my salary?
A: At $57,719 median, you’ll net about $3,607/month after taxes. With rent at $1,190, you’re in good shape (33% of income). The 103.5 index means groceries and utilities are slightly pricier, but overall, it’s manageable—better than Philly’s 125 index.

Q: Are there volunteer opportunities to build experience?
A: Absolutely. Levittown has two volunteer companies with low barriers to entry. You’ll get free training and response time toward career