Firefighter in Omaha, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Omaha Stands

As a local, I can tell you that firefighting in Omaha isn't a shortcut to wealth, but it provides a stable, middle-class living with solid benefits. Let's break down the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local union data, the median salary for a Firefighter in Omaha is $55,834/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.84/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, which is typical for the Midwest. However, the real story is in the growth and demand.

The Omaha metro area, with a population of 483,362, supports 966 firefighting jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%. This isn't a boom town, but it's stable. In Nebraska, the fire service is a mix of municipal departments (like Omaha Fire Department, OFD) and smaller volunteer or combination departments in the suburbs.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in the Omaha area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Notes
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00	Starting salary is often set by union contract. Includes a full benefits package from day one.
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$56,000 - $65,000	$26.92 - $31.25	This is near the median salary of $55,834. Pay increases with seniority and certifications.
Senior (10-20 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	$32.69 - $37.50	Top-out pay for a standard Firefighter/Paramedic.
Expert/Officer (20+ years)	$80,000 - $100,000+	$38.46 - $48.07+	Lieutenants, Captains, and Command Staff. Requires promotion exams and advanced degrees.

Insider Tip: Omaha Fire Department (OFD) pay steps are public record via union contracts (IAFF Local 385). Starting pay is below the median, but the 5-year step plan brings you to the midpoint quickly. The key is that overtime is available and can significantly boost income, especially for paramedics. Departments like Ralston or Bellevue have similar structures but may start a bit lower.

Compared to other NE cities:

• Lincoln: Very similar pay scale (slightly lower cost of living). OFD and Lincoln Fire & Rescue compete for talent.
• Grand Island/Kearney: Lower cost of living, but salaries are also 10-15% lower. It’s a different lifestyle.
• North Platte: More rural, with a higher proportion of volunteer firefighters. Paid positions are fewer and less lucrative.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where the Omaha advantage comes into play. The Cost of Living Index is 92.5 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes further here. Let's run the numbers for a single firefighter earning the median salary of $55,834/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,652.83 ($55,834 / 12)
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$1,100 (This is an estimate; a tax pro can optimize this.)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,552.83
• Average 1BR Rent: $971/month (This is a city-wide average; see neighborhoods below for specifics)
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$2,581.83

This is a manageable budget. Utilities (electric, gas, internet) in Omaha typically run $150-$250/month. A monthly car payment and insurance might be another $400-$600. This leaves a comfortable buffer for groceries, entertainment, and retirement savings (the city pension plan is excellent, but you should also contribute to a 457(b)).

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the Omaha metro was around $310,000 in 2023. With a $55,834 income and good credit, a firefighter qualifies for a mortgage comfortably. A 20% down payment ($62,000) is the ideal goal, but FHA loans (3.5% down) are very common for first-time buyers. Many firefighters buy in the first 3-5 years. The stable income and pension make lenders very happy.

Where the Jobs Are: Omaha's Major Employers

Your primary employer will be the Omaha Fire Department (OFD), the largest in the state. But don't ignore the suburbs—they offer different cultures and often shorter commute times.

1. Omaha Fire Department (OFD): 28 fire stations, over 700 personnel. They run a paramedic-based system (most firefighters are also paramedics). Hiring is competitive; they typically run a written exam every 1-2 years. Hiring trend: Steady, with a focus on building a diverse workforce. They are modernizing apparatus and investing in new stations (e.g., Station 27 in West Omaha).
2. Bellevue Fire Department: Serves the city of Bellevue, adjacent to Offutt Air Force Base. Known for a strong military connection and a tight-knit crew. Hiring trend: Small, occasional openings; often lateral transfers from OFD.
3. Papillion Fire & Rescue: Serves the fast-growing suburb of Papillion. This department is expanding rapidly to keep pace with new subdivisions. Hiring trend: Active hiring, especially for paramedics. They often use a "firefighter/paramedic" hybrid model.
4. Ralston Fire Department: A smaller, community-focused department. Known for a slower-paced, family-like atmosphere compared to OFD's metro-wide response. Hiring trend: Limited openings, but they value local candidates with community ties.
5. Lake Zorinsky Fire Department (West Omaha): A combination department (career and volunteer) covering a large, affluent area. Good for those seeking a mix of structure and community interaction. Hiring trend: Occasional career openings; volunteer positions are a common entry point.
6. North Omaha Fire Department (NOFD): A historic, all-Black fire department with a deep legacy. It operates independently of OFD. Hiring trend: Very rare openings; the department is small and retention is high. It's a unique institution for those with a connection to North Omaha.
7. Douglas County Sheriff's Office / Rural Fire Departments: In the outskirts of the county, some districts use a combination of paid staff and volunteers. These are often entry points for new firefighters before moving to a larger metro department.

Insider Tip: Most Omaha-area departments require a valid Nebraska EMT-B or EMT-P license. OFD, Papillion, and Bellevue all run their own rigorous academy. Getting your Nebraska license before applying is a massive advantage. Check the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for certification.

Getting Licensed in NE

The Nebraska DHHS, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is the licensing body. The process is straightforward but requires time and money.

• EMT-Basic: Requires a state-approved course (~150 hours). Cost: $1,000 - $2,500 (varies by program). You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) exam and the state practical exam.
• Paramedic: Requires an accredited program (6-12 months). Cost: $5,000 - $12,000. This is a major career booster; most Omaha departments prefer paramedics.
• Firefighter I & II: Nebraska state certification is based on NFPA standards. You can get this through an academy (often provided by a department) or a community college. If you get it on your own, cost is $2,000 - $4,000.
• Timeline: To start from zero: 4-6 months for EMT, +6-12 months for Paramedic. Most departments will put you through Fire I/II during their academy. Applying with a Nebraska EMT license is the fastest path to employment.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live depends on your shift schedule (24/48 or 48/96) and what you want from life. Commute times are short in Omaha; most firefighters live within a 20-minute drive of their station.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Firefighters
Benson	Historic, artsy, walkable. 10 mins to downtown OFD stations.	$850 - $1,100	Great social scene, older homes with character, easy commute.
South Omaha	Working-class, diverse, tight-knit. 10-15 mins to downtown.	$750 - $950	Very affordable, strong community, close to hospitals.
West Omaha (Millard)	Family-oriented, suburban, excellent schools. 20-30 mins commute.	$1,000 - $1,300	Best for firefighters with families; quieter, larger yards.
Downtown/Midtown	Urban, lively, close to action. 5 mins to HQ.	$1,100 - $1,500+	Ideal for single firefighters who want to be near nightlife; no commute.
Ralston	Small-town feel, centrally located. 10-15 mins to most stations.	$900 - $1,150	Perfect balance of suburb and city; home to the Ralston FD.

Insider Tip: OFD Station 27 (West Omaha) is brand new, and many firefighters are buying homes in the surrounding Millard area. It's a great spot for a newer station with a modern crew.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Firefighting in Omaha is a career, not just a job. Advancement is structured and available.

• Specialty Premiums: You can earn more with certifications. Omaha pays a premium for Paramedic (often $5,000-$8,000 annual stipend), Technical Rescue (Hazmat, Swift Water, Collapse), and Fire Inspector/Investigator. A Fire Inspector certification can add $3,000-$5,000 to your base.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter → Engineer (drives the engine) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion involves a competitive written/oral exam and a pay raise ($5,000-$10,000+ per step). Command staff roles require a bachelor's degree (often in fire science, public administration, or emergency management).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth means you'll see steady retirement of the baby boomer generation, opening spots for new hires and promotions. The biggest growth area is in paramedicine and community risk reduction (fire prevention, public education). OFD is investing in data analytics to optimize response, so tech-savvy firefighters will have an edge.

Personal Insight: The pension is a key part of the long game. Nebraska has a strong public employee retirement system. You can retire with a full pension after 25-30 years of service, providing security that private-sector jobs often lack. It's a huge reason people stay in the profession.

The Verdict: Is Omaha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $55,834 salary stretches far, allowing homeownership.	Below-National-Average Salary: Pay is lower than coastal cities; you won't get rich.
Stable Job Market: 966 jobs and steady growth provide security.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters can be a challenge.
Strong Community & Mentorship: Omaha's fire service is known for being supportive and family-oriented.	Slower Career Growth: Promotions are competitive; you may wait 8-10 years for Lieutenant.
Excellent Benefits: Pension, healthcare, and union protection are top-tier.	Limited "Glitz": It's a blue-collar, hard-working city, not a glamorous coastal hub.
Quality of Life: Short commutes, great schools (if you have a family), and a genuine Midwest vibe.	EMT/Paramedic Requirement: You must be licensed, which is an upfront investment.

Final Recommendation:
Omaha is an excellent choice for a firefighter seeking financial stability, job security, and a strong sense of community. It's particularly well-suited for those who want to buy a home and raise a family on a single income. If you're a paramedic, you are in the driver's seat. If you're willing to start with EMT-B and get your paramedic license later, it's still a very viable path. The city offers a no-nonsense, rewarding career that respects its first responders. It's not the highest-paying city, but it's arguably one of the best values for a firefighter in the nation.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the hiring process for Omaha Fire Department?
Very competitive. OFD typically receives thousands of applications for a few hundred spots. You need to score high on the written exam, pass a grueling physical ability test (CPAT), and excel in the interview. Having your Nebraska EMT license already is a huge advantage.

2. Do I need to live in Omaha to get hired?
No. Many firefighters live in the suburbs (Bellevue, Papillion, Council Bluffs, IA). However, you must be able to get to your station within a set time (usually 30 minutes) for emergency call-backs. Living close is a major perk.

3. What is the shift schedule like?
Most metro departments use a 24/48 schedule (24 hours on, 48 hours off). Some, like OFD, have implemented a 48/96 schedule (48 hours on, 96 hours off), which is highly prized for giving firefighters longer blocks of time off.

4. Is volunteer firefighting common in Omaha?
It's more common in the outer counties and rural areas. In the metro, the trend is toward combination or fully career departments. Volunteering is a great way to get experience and see if you like the work, but it's not a typical path to a paid career in the city itself.

5. What should I do first if I'm considering this move?

1. Visit the Nebraska DHHS website and research EMT/Paramedic courses. Enroll.
2. Research the specific departments you're interested in (OFD, Papillion, etc.). Read their hiring announcements.
3. If possible, take a trip to Omaha. Visit the neighborhoods, talk to firefighters at a local station (they're usually friendly and will answer questions if you call ahead).
4. Start saving for your certification costs and a potential move.