The Firefighter's Guide to Longview, TX: A Career Analyst's Perspective

As a career analyst who’s spent years studying the Texas job market, I can tell you that Longview is a city that often surprises people. Nestled in East Texas, about halfway between Dallas and Shreveport, it’s a place where the cost of living is low, the community is tight-knit, and the job market is steady. For a firefighter, this means a career that’s both financially manageable and deeply rooted in the community. This guide is your no-nonsense, data-driven look at what it really means to build a firefighting career in Longview, from the paycheck to the neighborhoods you might call home.

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The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Firefighting isn’t a get-rich-quick profession anywhere, but Longview’s affordability is its secret weapon. The median salary for a Firefighter in Longview is $55,132 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.51. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120, but don’t let that fool you. When you factor in Longview’s low cost of living, your dollar stretches much further here than it would in a major metro.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Longview market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Longview)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Basic fire suppression, EMS calls, equipment maintenance. Rotating shifts.
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$52,000 - $62,000	Leading small crews, specialized training (hazmat, technical rescue), mentorship.
Senior (9-15 years)	$62,000 - $75,000+	Company officer, incident command, advanced certifications, union leadership.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Battalion chief, fire marshal, training chief, specialty team leader.

How does Longview compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median salary ~$58,500. The pay is higher, but the average 1BR rent is over $1,400/month. Your disposable income is often lower.
• Houston: Median salary ~$59,000. Similar story—higher pay, but the cost of living and traffic are significant stressors.
• San Antonio: Median salary ~$56,000. Closer to Longview in both pay and cost of living, but a much larger city.
• Tyler: Median salary ~$53,000. A nearby peer city with slightly lower pay and a similar cost profile.

Insider Tip: Longview firefighters are primarily paid through the City of Longview Fire Department. Their pay scale is public information. Starting captains and above can cross the $70,000 mark with longevity and education pay. The 4% 10-year job growth is modest, reflecting a stable, unionized municipal environment rather than explosive expansion. This means jobs are competitive but very secure once you're in.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is one thing; take-home pay is what matters. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a firefighter earning the median salary of $55,132.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,594 ($55,132 / 12)
• Taxes (Est. 22%): ~$1,011 (Federal, FICA. TX has no state income tax.)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,583

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $930
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash): $150
• Groceries: $350
• Gas/Transportation: $200
• Insurance (Car/Health): $250
• Retirement Savings (5% 457b): $230
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Entertainment, etc.): $400
• Remaining Buffer: $1,073

This buffer is where you save for a car, a vacation, or a down payment. The Cost of Living Index is 88.4 (US avg = 100), meaning Longview is 11.6% cheaper than the national average. This budget has breathing room that’s rare in larger Texas cities.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Longview is around $220,000. With a 5% down payment ($11,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$1,400 (including taxes and insurance). That’s still only about 39% of your net income—a comfortable ratio. Many firefighters buy homes in their first 3-5 years of employment here, something that’s often delayed a decade in pricier markets.

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Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

The jobs in metro figure is 168, which is the total number of paid firefighter positions in the Longview area. The vast majority are with the City of Longview Fire Department (LFD). LFD operates 9 fire stations and serves a population of over 80,000. They are the primary employer and your first target.

Here are the key players:

1. City of Longview Fire Department (LFD): The main attraction. They run a robust 24-hour-on/48-hour-off shift schedule. Hiring is typically every 1-2 years, often through a civil service exam. LFD is progressive, with strong specialty teams in Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials.
2. Longview Regional Medical Center: While not a fire department, they employ EMTs and Paramedics. For a firefighter with EMS certification, this is a prime spot for second jobs or career crossover experience.
3. Gregg County: The county operates its own fire service for unincorporated areas. They often hire with different schedules and may be a good entry point. Their pay is comparable to the city.
4. Kilgore College: Located just south in Kilgore, they have a fire academy and sometimes hire for campus safety roles. It’s a good networking hub for trainees.
5. Local Industrial Plants: Longview is a hub for petrochemicals and manufacturing (e.g., Eastman Chemical, Formosa Plastics). These plants have their own fire brigades and safety officers, which can be high-paying specialty roles for firefighters with industrial experience.
6. Texas A&M University-Commerce (Longview Center): A growing campus that may have security or safety-related roles.
7. Private EMS Providers: Companies like Acadian Ambulance serve the area and are a common first step for those building their EMS resume before applying to a fire department.

Hiring Trends: LFD is in a stable, mature phase. They are focused on retaining experienced personnel and filling retirements. The 4% 10-year growth is accurate—don’t expect a hiring boom, but expect steady, predictable opportunities. Networking at LFD training events or at the East Texas Fire Conference in Tyler is crucial.

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Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, state-mandated requirements for firefighters. You don’t need a college degree to start, but certifications are non-negotiable.

1. Basic Firefighter Certification (TDCJ): You must complete a state-approved basic fire academy (typically 400+ hours). In our area, Kilgore College and Panola College offer excellent programs. Tuition and fees can range from $2,500 to $4,000.
2. EMT-Basic License: Most departments, including LFD, require EMT-B certification. This is an additional course (about 180 hours) and can cost $1,500-$2,500. It’s often bundled with firefighter training.
3. Driver’s License: A valid Texas driver’s license is mandatory.
4. Testing: The City of Longview Civil Service exam is the gateway. It tests cognitive abilities, mechanical reasoning, and reading comprehension. Study guides are available from the city.
5. Background & Physical: You’ll undergo a thorough background check, a polygraph, a medical exam, and a physical agility test (CPAT).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-6: Complete your EMT-B and Fire Academy (can be done concurrently).
• Month 7-8: Apply for open positions at LFD/other departments. Take the civil service exam.
• Months 9-12: Interview, complete background, medical, and agility testing. Receive an offer.
• Post-Hire: You’ll enter a probationary period (typically 12-18 months) with additional on-the-job training.

Total Initial Investment: $4,000 - $7,000 for training, with potential for financial aid or grants.

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Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Longview’s neighborhoods offer distinct vibes. Proximity to work is key, given the 24-hour shifts. You don’t want a 45-minute commute when you’re on a long shift.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
North Longview	Quiet, established, family-friendly. ~10-15 min drive to most stations.	$800 - $1,000	Affordable, safe, and close to Longview High School and parks. Popular with young families.
South Longview (near UT Tyler Longview)	More transient, student-friendly. ~10-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	Lower rents, easy access to Gregg County and Longview Regional for second jobs.
The "Hill" Area	Historic, walkable, with character. ~5-10 min commute to downtown stations.	$900 - $1,200	For those who want a unique home and a short commute. Close to Maude Cobb Convention Center.
West Longview (near Loop 281)	Suburban, modern. ~15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Newer apartments, great amenities, easy access to shopping and KLTX for entertainment.
Outskirts (Gladewater, Kilgore)	Small-town feel, longer commute.	$700 - $900	If you want more land and a lower rent, this is an option. Commute to LFD can be 30+ mins.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters live in the North Longview or West Longview areas. The commutes are short, and the neighborhoods are quiet for your sleep days after a 24-hour shift.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighting career in Longview is a marathon, not a sprint. The path is structured and offers clear milestones.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Specialty Teams: LFD has teams for Technical Rescue (rope, confined space, water) and Hazardous Materials. Joining these teams often comes with a small pay premium (e.g., $500-$1,500/year) and significant professional satisfaction.
• Promotion: The path is Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires more testing, training, and leadership skills. LFD uses a merit-based system.
• Education: A degree in Fire Science or Public Administration can boost your promotion chances. Texas A&M University-Commerce offers relevant programs.

10-Year Outlook:
With the 4% job growth, you’re looking at maybe 6-8 new positions over the next decade. This makes internal promotion the primary growth strategy. However, the East Texas region is growing, and you might find opportunities in smaller towns like Gladewater, Kilgore, or Gilmer for leadership roles. Longview is an excellent place to gain a solid foundation for a regional career.

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The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $55,132 salary goes far.	Modest Salary Growth: Pay increases are tied to seniority, not market booms.
Stable Job Market: Unionized, secure municipal jobs.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a quiet city; you’ll drive to Tyler or Shreveport for bigger events.
Strong Community Feel: You’ll know your citizens and they’ll know you.	Slower Career Advancement: Fewer specialty roles than in major metros.
Short Commutes: You can live 10 minutes from work.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms/tornadoes.
Easy Path to Homeownership: A realistic goal within 3-5 years.	Healthcare: Good for basics; complex care often requires a trip to Tyler or Dallas.

Final Recommendation:
Longview is an ideal choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and financial well-being over high-octane urban excitement. If you’re a pragmatic person who wants to build a solid life—own a home, start a family, and have a meaningful, respected career—Longview delivers. It’s the perfect "start your life" city for a young firefighter. It’s less suitable for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-earning career in a major metro. For the right person, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Texas.

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FAQs

Q1: Do I need to live in Longview to work for the LFD?
No, but you must be able to report to any station within a reasonable time (typically 30 minutes). Many live in Gregg County or just over the line in Harrison County.

Q2: How competitive is the hiring process?
Very. LFD often receives hundreds of applications for 10-15 spots. A clean background, strong test scores, and demonstrated community service are key. Having your EMT-B and academy completed before applying is a massive advantage.

Q3: What is the shift schedule like?
LFD primarily uses a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule. This is standard and allows for a good work-life balance. You’ll work about 10 shifts per month.

Q4: Are there opportunities for bilingual firefighters?
Yes! Spanish is the most valuable second language. It’s not a formal requirement, but it’s a huge asset in East Texas and will make you a more attractive candidate.

Q5: What about the cost of living index of 88.4? What does that mean for me?
It means that, on average, goods and services in Longview are 11.6% cheaper than the U.S. average. For you, it means that your $55,132 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,300 nationally. It’s a significant financial advantage.