Firefighter Career Guide: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Oshkosh sits on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, a city of 66,184 where the Fox River cuts through downtown. It’s a place of two seasons: summer on the lake and winter near the fire station. For a firefighter, this means a mix of structure fires in older neighborhoods like Algoma and rescue calls on the lake. The job market is stable but tight—only 132 firefighting jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. That’s slower than the national average for firefighters, so moving here isn’t about chasing growth; it’s about stability, a lower cost of living, and a community that knows you by name.

This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world grind of being a firefighter in Oshkosh.

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

In Oshkosh, firefighting isn’t a path to wealth, but it’s a solid middle-class career. The local median salary is $55,526/year, which breaks down to about $26.7/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year. For perspective, the cost of living in Oshkosh is 90.7 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in most of the country.

Let’s break down what you can expect at different career stages. These are estimates based on local union contracts and public salary databases for Oshkosh Fire Department (OFD) and Winnebago County Fire departments.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Oshkosh)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Probationary firefighter, EMT-Basic duties, apparatus operation, training drills.
Mid-Career (4-10 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	Driver/Engineer, EMT-Paramedic, company officer candidate, specialized rescue training.
Senior (11-20 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Lieutenant/Captain, Battalion Chief candidate, training officer, union leadership.
Expert (20+ yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal, or retired with a pension.

How does Oshkosh compare to other Wisconsin cities?

• Milwaukee: Similar cost of living but higher salaries ($60k-$70k for mid-career) and more intense competition for jobs.
• Green Bay: Slightly lower cost of living, salaries are comparable to Oshkosh ($53k-$63k for mid-career).
• Madison: Higher cost of living (Index ~105) and significantly higher salaries ($70k+ for mid-career) but much more competitive due to the state government and university presence.
• Appleton/Neenah: Very similar to Oshkosh in cost and pay. The Fox Valley is a tight-knit region; firefighters often work in one city and live in another.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A single firefighter earning the median salary of $55,526 has a take-home pay of roughly $4,100/month after federal taxes, Wisconsin state tax (4-7.65%), and FICA. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for an entry-level to mid-career firefighter renting a one-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Firefighter, $55,526 Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Tax)	$4,100	Varies by withholdings and benefits.
Rent (1BR Average)	$779	The citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150 - $200	Higher in winter due to heating.
Groceries & Household	$350 - $400	Shop at local stores like Pick 'n Save or Walmart.
Car Payment & Insurance	$350 - $500	Assumes a used car. Insurance is higher for younger drivers.
Gas	$120 - $180	Depends on commute and winter idling.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	Often covered by the city, but some plans have employee premiums.
Union Dues & Retirement	$100 - $150	Mandatory for most departments.
Discretionary (Food, Fun, Savings)	$600 - $1,000	Key variable. This is where budgeting discipline comes in.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Oshkosh is around $180,000 - $200,000. With a 20% down payment ($36k-$40k), you’d need to save aggressively for 5-7 years on this salary. A more common path is a 3-5% down payment (FHA loan), which brings the upfront cost down to $5k-$10k. Many firefighters here buy homes in their 30s, often after getting promoted to a higher pay grade. The lower cost of living makes this more attainable than in larger metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

The firefighting job market in Oshkosh is dominated by a few key players. Hiring is competitive and often happens only when retirements create openings. The city’s 10-year job growth of 4% means there are maybe 5-6 openings per year across the entire metro.

1. Oshkosh Fire Department (OFD): The largest employer, with 6 fire stations covering 27 square miles. They run a standard 24-hour on/48-hour off shift. OFD is the primary goal for most firefighters in the region.
2. Winnebago County Sheriff's Office / Fire Rescue: Provides fire and EMS services to the townships and villages outside the city limits (like Omro, Poygan, and Vinland). They use a combination of career and paid-on-call firefighters.
3. Town of Algoma Fire Department: A volunteer/paid-on-call department that often hires a few career firefighters for daytime coverage. A good entry point.
4. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Police & Fire: The university has its own public safety department. They handle fires on campus and provide EMS. The pay is competitive, and the schedule can be different (sometimes 12-hour shifts).
5. Oshkosh Corporation: While not a fire department, the global defense company has its own fire brigade for its industrial facilities. This is a niche, high-risk role that sometimes poaches from municipal departments.
6. Neenah-Menominee Fire Department: Located in the adjacent city of Neenah, this department is another major employer in the Fox Valley. Many Oshkosh firefighters live in Neenah and commute.

Hiring Trends: Most departments use a civil service exam. The OFD exam is held every 2-3 years. You need to be in top shape—literally. The physical ability test (CPAT) is standard. Having your EMT-Paramedic license before applying gives you a significant edge.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a structured certification path through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). You cannot apply for a firefighter job without being in the process.

1. Firefighter I Certification: This is the minimum. You must complete a 160-hour course at an accredited training center, like the Wisconsin Fire Academy in Wautoma (about 1 hour from Oshkosh) or through Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. Cost: ~$1,500 - $2,500 (tuition, books, gear).
2. EMT-Basic Certification: Almost all departments require this. It’s a 120-150 hour course. Cost: ~$800 - $1,200. Fox Valley Tech and Moraine Park Technical College offer excellent programs.
3. EMT-Paramedic (Optional but Recommended): A 1-2 year program. It’s a huge career booster in Oshkosh. Cost: ~$8,000 - $15,000. Many departments offer tuition reimbursement.
4. Driver/Engineer: Requires additional training on apparatus, often provided by the city.
5. Officer Certifications: Later in your career, you’ll pursue Lieutenant and Captain training through the Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Association.

Timeline: It takes about 6-9 months to get Firefighter I and EMT-Basic. Add another 18-24 months for Paramedic. Budget for lost wages during training. The DSPS website (dsps.wi.gov) is your primary resource for application and exam schedules.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. As a firefighter, you want a place that’s affordable, central, and close to a station (if you’re on-call). Here are four neighborhoods to consider.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider Tip
Downtown	Walkable, bars, restaurants, close to Station 1. Rent is higher.	$850 - $1,200	Best for single firefighters who want to be near the action. Easy to get to the station for extra shifts.
Algoma	Quiet, residential, lake access. Commute to downtown is 10-15 mins.	$700 - $900	Popular with firefighters and cops. More family-oriented. Good parking for a personal truck.
South Park	Affordable, working-class, near the river. Commute is 10 mins.	$600 - $800	Older homes, good value. A lot of firefighters live here.
Northside	Near the University, student-heavy, but also has family areas.	$750 - $950	Close to the UWO campus and its fire station. Good for those pursuing paramedic training at Fox Valley Tech.
Neenah (Suburban)	Clean, suburban, excellent schools. 15-20 min commute to Oshkosh.	$800 - $1,000	Many OFD firefighters live here for the schools and quieter pace. The commute is easy via I-41.

Personal Insight: The Algoma and South Park neighborhoods are firefighter strongholds. You’ll see marked department vehicles parked in driveways. It’s a community of first responders.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Oshkosh, career growth is about specialization and promotion.

• Specialty Premiums: OFD offers pay incentives for skills. A Paramedic certification can add $2,000-$4,000 annually to your base pay. Other specialties include:
  • Technical Rescue: Confined space, trench, rope rescue.
  • HazMat Technician: Handling chemical incidents.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: A path to a 9-5 schedule later in your career.
• Advancement Path: The standard path is Firefighter → Driver/Engineer (2-4 yrs) → Lieutenant (5-8 yrs) → Captain (8-12 yrs) → Battalion Chief (15+ yrs). Each promotion brings a pay increase (often $5k-$10k per step).
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth, competition will remain steady. The biggest threat to the field is budget constraints. Oshkosh is not a booming city, so departments won’t expand rapidly. However, the aging workforce will create openings. Your goal for the next decade: get your paramedic license, gain specialty certs, and aim for a promotion to Lieutenant or Captain.

The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further. You can buy a home.	Slow Career Growth: Limited openings and slower promotions.
Stable Jobs: The 132 jobs mean it's not a boom/bust market.	Lower Pay: Below the national average, even with the cost-of-living adjustment.
Strong Community: Firefighters are respected and known in Oshkosh.	Harsh Winters: The winter on Lake Winnebago is brutal. Ice rescue calls are common.
Lake Living: Access to Winnebago for fishing, boating, and winter sports.	Limited Nightlife: It’s a small city. If you crave big-city energy, this isn’t it.
Good Work-Life Balance: The 24/48 schedule is standard.	Small Job Market: Hard to move laterally if you get burned out.

Final Recommendation:
Oshkosh is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and affordability over rapid advancement or high salaries. It’s ideal for those looking to plant roots, buy a home, and be part of a tight-knit crew. If you’re ambitious and want to climb the ladder quickly in a major metro, look to Milwaukee or Madison. But if you want a career where you know your neighbors, can afford a mortgage on your salary, and live minutes from a massive lake, Oshkosh makes a compelling case.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Oshkosh Fire Department?
A: Very competitive. With only 132 jobs in the metro and slow growth, you need to be in the top 10% of the exam and physical test. Having your EMT-Paramedic license is almost a must. They often hire 2-3 people per exam cycle, which happens every 2-3 years.

Q: Do I need to live in Oshkosh to get hired?
A: No, but it helps. OFD requires you to live within 5-10 miles of the city limits within your first year of employment. Many firefighters live in Winnebago County towns (like Omro or Vinland) or just outside in Neenah. Check the specific department's residency ordinance.

Q: What’s the pension like for a firefighter in Oshkosh?
A: Most city firefighters are in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). It’s a 5-year vesting period. You can retire with a full pension at age 55 with 25 years of service. The pension is calculated as a percentage of your average final salary. It’s a defined benefit plan, which is a major perk in today’s economy.

Q: Is it easy to get an EMT-Paramedic job in the area?
A: Yes, but it’s not lucrative. Many private ambulance services (like Bell Ambulance) and hospitals hire paramedics. The pay is often lower than a firefighting role ($20-$25/hour), but it’s excellent experience. Most firefighters work as paramedics on the ambulance before transitioning to a fire department.

Q: What’s the call volume like?
A: OFD runs about 6,000-7,000 calls per year for a department of ~70 firefighters. That’s about 2.5-3 calls per day per station. It’s not as busy as Milwaukee (100k+ calls), but it’s steady. You’ll get a mix of medicals, motor vehicle accidents (especially on I-41), and structure fires.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
• Oshkosh Fire Department (OFD) Public Information & City Budget Reports.
• Zillow & RentCafe for local housing data.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax estimates.