Firefighter in Riverton, WY

As a local career analyst who’s watched Riverton’s firefighter corps evolve over the last two decades, I can tell you this isn’t a career for the faint of heart or the paycheck-chaser. Riverton sits in the heart of Wyoming’s Wind River Range, with a metro population of just 10,803. That means every firefighter here is a critical piece of the public safety puzzle. You’ll be responding to everything from structure fires on Main Street to wildland incidents in the surrounding sagebrush and pine forests.

This guide cuts through the recruitment brochures. I’m using hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Control to give you the unvarnished truth about making a life and career in Riverton as a firefighter.

The Salary Picture: Where Riverton Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because in a small town, every dollar counts. The median salary for a Firefighter in Riverton is $56,605 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.21/hour. This is slightly below the national average for firefighters, which sits at $57,120/year. The key here is context: while the raw number is a touch lower, Wyoming’s lack of state income tax and a relatively low cost of living make the take-home pay more competitive than it first appears.

The job market here is tight. There are only 21 jobs in the metro area for firefighters, and the projected 10-year job growth is a modest 4%. This isn’t a place with booming demand; openings are created by retirements or departures, not expansion. You need to be prepared for a competitive, but stable, long-term career path.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in our region. These are estimates based on local department pay scales and state benchmarks.

Experience Level	Title in Riverton	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry (0-3 years)	Firefighter/EMT	$48,000 - $54,000	Basic suppression, EMS calls, equipment maintenance, station duties.
Mid (4-8 years)	Firefighter/Paramedic	$56,000 - $62,000	Advanced life support, driver/operator on engine, initial incident command.
Senior (9-15 years)	Lieutenant / Engineer	$63,000 - $70,000	Squad/company supervision, training coordination, specialized certifications.
Expert (15+ years)	Captain / Battalion Chief	$72,000 - $85,000+	Shift command, budget oversight, strategic planning, community liaison.

Insider Tip: The jump in pay from Entry to Mid-level is significant, primarily driven by obtaining your Paramedic license. In a small department, being a dual-certified EMT/Paramedic isn't just a bonus—it's often a prerequisite for promotion and is a key reason why you can earn above the median. The difference between the median ($56,605) and the national average ($57,120) is less than $600 annually. For Riverton, that gap is easily closed by a single specialty premium.

Comparison to Other WY Cities:

• Cheyenne (State Capital): Higher salaries (~$60,500 median), but larger city challenges (more call volume, more complex politics). Rent is also about 25% higher.
• Casper: Similar to Riverton but with a larger industrial base (oil/gas). Salaries are competitive (~$57,000 median), but the cost of living is slightly higher.
• Laramie (College Town): Salaries are often lower (~$54,000 median) due to a high number of volunteer/combined departments. The trade-off is a vibrant, youthful community.

Riverton offers a middle ground: a stable, professional career with a manageable call volume and a community that truly knows its first responders.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Your salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the state and federal government take their share and you pay for a roof over your head. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Firefighter earning the Riverton median of $56,605/year.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Taxes: Federal (including FICA) and Wyoming has NO state income tax. This is a massive advantage. For a single filer with standard deductions, you can expect to keep roughly 75-78% of your gross pay. We'll use 77% for a conservative estimate.
• Housing: Using the city-wide average 1BR rent of $921/month.
• Utilities: Average for a 1BR in Riverton is ~$150/month (including electricity, water, gas, internet).
• Transportation: Owning a car is non-negotiable in Wyoming. Estimate $250/month for payment, insurance, and fuel for a modest vehicle.
• Food & Essentials: $400/month (groceries, toiletries, household items).
• Retirement/Health: Your department likely offers a state retirement plan (WY Retirement Systems). Plan to contribute 5% of your gross. Health insurance premiums are often subsidized but can still be $100-200/month for a single person.
• Miscellaneous: $300/month for entertainment, gear, personal items.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Entry-Level Firefighter

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,717	$56,605 / 12 months
Estimated Net Pay (After Taxes)	$3,632	~77% take-home rate
Rent (1BR Average)	-$921	City-wide average
Utilities	-$150	Includes power, heat, water, internet
Transportation	-$250	Car payment, insurance, fuel
Food & Essentials	-$400	Grocery and household items
Retirement Savings (5%)	-$236	Pre-tax contribution
Health Insurance (Post-tax)	-$150	Estimate after employer contribution
Miscellaneous / Buffer	-$300	Gear, entertainment, savings
Remaining Surplus / Debt	+$1225	This is your safety net or savings.

The Verdict on Homeownership: Can a firefighter earning the median salary afford to buy a home in Riverton? Yes, absolutely. With a surplus of over $1,200 per month, you can comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Riverton hovers around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000—achievable in 4-5 years of disciplined saving. With your surplus, a 30-year mortgage at today's rates would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) near $1,400-$1,500, which is very manageable on this salary, especially with a potential partner's income. Owning a home is not just a dream here; it's a realistic goal within your first decade on the job.

Where the Jobs Are: Riverton's Major Employers

In a town of 10,803, the "major employers" for a firefighter are straightforward: the city and the county. There are no large private fire departments here. Your career will be with one of these entities.

1. Riverton Fire Department (City of Riverton): This is the primary municipal department. They operate from a central station on Broadway Street and a second station on the north side. They handle all structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and medical calls within the city limits. The department is career staffed and is the most likely employer for new hires. They run on a 24/48 schedule (24 hours on, 48 off).

2. Fremont County Fire Protection District (Riverton Station): The county district covers the vast unincorporated areas surrounding Riverton, including the Wind River Indian Reservation. This is a fully career staffed district, not a volunteer force. Their calls are a mix of wildland fire, structure fires in rural homes, and technical rescues. They have a station in Riverton and are a major employer. Their schedule is often similar to a municipal department.

3. Wyoming Army National Guard (Riverton Armory): While not a traditional fire department, the Guard has fire protection specialists. This can be a part-time or full-time (AGR) opportunity for someone looking for military service alongside a civilian fire career. It offers federal benefits and additional training.

4. Central Wyoming College (CWC): Located in Riverton, CWC houses the Wyoming Fire Academy. While not a direct employer of firefighters, it's the training hub for the entire state. You'll get your EMT/Paramedic and Fire certifications here. They also offer associate degree programs in Fire Science and Emergency Management, which are valuable for career advancement.

5. SageWest Health Care: This is Riverton's hospital (formerly Sage View). While not a fire department, they are the destination for all your medical transport patients. They employ EMTs and Paramedics for their emergency department and ambulance services (often through a contracted service like Central Wyoming Rescue). Knowing the hospital staff and layout is critical for any local firefighter.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is cyclical and slow. Departments typically open applications once a year, often in the spring. They look for candidates with Wyoming EMT certification at a minimum. Paramedic is a huge advantage. The process is rigorous: written exam, physical ability test (CPAT), oral board interview, background check, and psychological eval. Insider Tip: Get your EMT license through CWC before you apply. It shows commitment and gets you in the door faster. Many successful hires here have prior experience in volunteer departments or have worked as EMTs for private ambulance services in larger Colorado cities.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a clear, structured path to becoming a career firefighter. It’s overseen by the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC).

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Firefighter I & II: This is the core certification, teaching you fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials operations. It’s a state-approved course, often taken at the Wyoming Fire Academy at Central Wyoming College.
2. EMT-Basic: A non-negotiable prerequisite for almost all paid departments. You must be licensed by the Wyoming Department of Health.
3. Driver/Operator: For promotion to Engineer, you’ll need pump operator certification.
4. Fire Instructor I: Helpful for promotion to Lieutenant or Captain roles.
5. Paramedic (Optional but Critical): For the highest earning potential and job security, completing a Paramedic program is essential. This can be done at CWC or through other accredited programs.

Costs and Timeline:

• Firefighter I & II + EMT-Basic: Combined courses at CWC can cost $2,000 - $3,500 in tuition and fees. The program typically runs 6-9 months.
• Paramedic Program: A 12-18 month program, costing $8,000 - $12,000. (Some departments offer tuition reimbursement for employees).
• State Certification Exam Fee: Roughly $100 per certification level.
• Total Estimated Cost (to become a hireable candidate): $2,500 - $4,000 (EMT + Firefighter I/II).
• Total Cost (to become a Senior/Paramedic Firefighter): $10,500 - $16,000.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1-3: Research programs at Central Wyoming College. Enroll in EMT-Basic. Start physical fitness training.
2. Month 4-9: Complete EMT-Basic and Firefighter I/II courses. Pass state exams.
3. Month 10-12: Apply to Riverton Fire and/or Fremont County Fire. The hiring process can take 3-6 months.
4. Year 2-3: Once hired, your department will pay for your Driver/Operator and other in-house training. Many will also offer a paramedic school tuition reimbursement program if you sign a service agreement (typically 3-5 years).

Insider Tip: The Wyoming Fire Academy at CWC is your best resource. Their instructors are often current or retired chiefs from statewide departments. Building a relationship with them during your training is a direct line to hiring insights. They know who’s looking for personnel.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Riverton is about balancing commute, safety, and community access. Here’s a breakdown of where firefighters tend to cluster.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why Firefighters Live Here
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, near Main Street shops and restaurants. 5-10 min drive to either station.	$850 - $1,000	Ideal for young, single firefighters who want to be in the heart of the community. Easy to get to calls after hours.
North Riverton	Quiet, residential, more modern homes. 10-15 min drive to Central Station.	$900 - $1,150	Popular with families. Closer to the north-side fire station and Fremont County HQ. Good school district.
West Riverton / Riverview	Open, views of the Wind River. More spacious lots, a bit more rural feel. 10-20 min commute.	$950 - $1,200	For those who want space and a bit of quiet. Popular with officers who need home offices for training prep.
South Riverton	Close to CWC and SageWest Hospital. Very residential and established. 8-12 min to Central Station.	$900 - $1,050	Great for firefighters with families or those who value proximity to amenities and the college for off-duty training.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving here for a job, try to secure housing first. The rental market is competitive but small. Look on local Facebook groups (“Riverton, WY Rentals”) and with local realtors. Avoid the immediate downtown area if you have a family and prefer a quieter street.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in a small department is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about earning premiums and taking on responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: This is where you increase your income. The most common is the Paramedic Premium, which can add $1.50 - $3.00/hour to your base pay. Other premiums include Hazardous Materials Operations (HazMat) and Technical Rescue (Technical Rope, Confined Space). These are often tied to the county or regional response teams.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Career Firefighter → Driver/Engineer: (2-4 years) You’ll operate the truck, manage water supply, and act as a company officer on minor incidents.
  • Engineer → Lieutenant: (4-8 years) You lead a 3-person company, train new firefighters, and manage station logistics.
  • Lieutenant → Captain: (8-15 years) You command a station or shift, handle budgeting for your unit, and are a public face for the department.
  • Captain → Battalion Chief: (15+ years) You oversee multiple stations/shifts, work with city council on budgets, and set long-term strategy. This is a very small club in Riverton.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% job growth, don’t expect a flood of new positions. However, the local workforce is aging. A significant number of senior firefighters and officers are within 10 years of retirement. This creates a "coming wave" of promotional opportunities for those who are prepared. Your path to Captain or Battalion Chief is clear, but it requires patience and a commitment to ongoing education. The rise of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires due to climate change means more training and potential integration with USDA Forest Service teams, offering another specialty path.

Insider Tip: The single most important move for career growth is to get your Paramedic license. In Riverton, the difference between a firefighter and a Paramedic firefighter is the difference between being a valuable employee and being essential to the department's core medical response. It’s the key to job security and a higher salary.

The Verdict: Is Riverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Real, Stable Career: A professional, paid position with benefits and a clear retirement path (WY Retirement System).	Highly Competitive: Very few openings. You must be patient and prepared to wait for a spot.
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is realistic, and daily expenses are manageable.	Limited Social Scene: It’s a small town. If you crave big-city nightlife, sports, or diversity, you’ll be disappointed.
Strong Community: In a town this size, you’re not a stranger. You’ll know the people you serve.	Isolation: You are hours from a major airport (Cheyenne or Denver) and amenities of a large city.
Outdoor Paradise: Unmatched access to hiking, fishing, camping,