Firefighter in Round Rock, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

Round Rock sits in the heart of the Austin metropolitan area, a booming tech and education hub. For firefighters, the salary landscape is a direct reflection of this regional economy. It’s competitive enough to attract talent but must contend with the high cost of living that comes with being part of the Austin metro.

The median salary for a firefighter in Round Rock is $56,708/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.26/hour. This figure is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. It’s important to note that this is a median, meaning half of the firefighters in the area earn more, and half earn less. Your specific take-home will hinge on experience, rank, and department-specific pay scales.

When we compare this to the national average of $57,120/year, Round Rock is virtually identical—a strong sign that the local market pays fairly. However, within Texas, there's variation. Firefighters in Houston or Dallas may see slightly higher base pay due to larger city budgets and higher call volumes, but those areas also have higher costs of living. Conversely, salaries in smaller, rural Texas towns can be significantly lower. For a firefighter seeking a balance between urban opportunity and manageable living expenses, Round Rock presents a compelling middle ground.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median provides a snapshot, actual earnings are tiered. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on typical Texas fire department pay structures and the local market. Note that these are approximate ranges and can vary by department (city vs. county vs. private).

Experience Level	Years of Service	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level / Firefighter I	0-2	$48,000 - $56,000	Starting pay, EMT certification, academy completion.
Mid-Level / Firefighter II/III	3-8	$57,000 - $72,000	Additional certifications (Hazmat, Technical Rescue), experience on diverse calls.
Senior / Captain	8-15	$75,000 - $95,000+	Supervisory duties, specialized training, shift commander responsibilities.
Expert / Battalion Chief	15+	$100,000 - $130,000+	Strategic planning, budgeting, multiple station oversight.

Insider Tip: The Round Rock Fire Department (RRFD) and neighboring departments like Pflugerville Fire Rescue often have clear, transparent pay scales published on their city websites. Always look for the specific "Firefighter Pay Plan" document when researching a department. It details exact step increases for experience and education.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

To put Round Rock's $56,708 median in perspective, here’s a quick comparison with other major Texas metros (all figures are BLS median salaries for firefighters in their respective metros):

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (approx.)	Notes
Round Rock (Austin Metro)	$56,708	97.6	Strong job growth, competitive pay for region.
Houston	$58,140	96.5	Higher call volume, larger department, similar COL.
Dallas	$57,600	101.5	Slightly higher pay, but higher metropolitan COL.
San Antonio	$53,240	89.5	Lower pay, significantly lower cost of living.
Fort Worth	$55,800	98.2	Comparable pay and cost of living to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Round Rock holds its own against the major Texas metros, offering salary parity with Houston and Dallas while being part of the dynamic and growing Austin economy.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary isn't just a number; it's what you can live on. Let's break down the monthly budget for a firefighter earning the Round Rock median salary of $56,708/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $56,708 / 12 = $4,726
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22-25% (estimate for single filer) = ~$1,040
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,686
• Average 1BR Rent in Round Rock: $1,635/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,635	This is the metro average. Newer complexes near I-35 may be higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash)	$180	Varies seasonally; summer AC is a major factor.
Internet	$60	Standard high-speed plan.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car payment and Texas auto insurance rates.
Fuel	$150	Depends on commute; Round Rock is car-dependent.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	Varies widely; many departments offer good plans.
Retirement Savings (5%)	$192	Pre-tax deduction, crucial for long-term stability.
Discretionary/Other	$319	Food out, entertainment, savings, emergency fund.
Total Expenses	$3,686	This budget is tight and leaves little room for error.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the critical question. The median home price in Round Rock is approximately $425,000. Using standard mortgage guidelines (20% down payment, 30-year fixed at ~7% interest):

• Down Payment (20%): $85,000
• Loan Amount: $340,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (P&I): ~$2,260
• Property Taxes (2.2% of home value): ~$777/month (Texas has no state income tax but high property taxes)
• Homeowners Insurance: ~$150/month
• Total Monthly Housing Cost: ~$3,187

Verdict: For a single income earner at the median salary of $56,708, buying a typical Round Rock home is a significant stretch. The mortgage and taxes alone would consume nearly 85% of the net take-home pay, leaving no room for utilities, food, or car payments. Homeownership is more feasible with dual incomes, substantial savings for a larger down payment, or targeting a less expensive property (e.g., a townhouse or an older home in a more established neighborhood).

The Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Firefighting in Round Rock isn't limited to one department. The region's growth has created a diverse job market across municipal, county, and even private entities.

1. Round Rock Fire Department (RRFD): The primary employer. RRFD operates 8 stations serving a population of over 130,000. They are known for a strong emphasis on community risk reduction and have specialized teams in technical rescue and hazardous materials. Hiring is typically bi-annual or as needed; they often run competitive civil service exams.
2. Williamson County Emergency Services District (ESD): This county-level entity provides fire and EMS services to unincorporated areas and some contract cities. They often have their own stations and hiring processes, which can be a great entry point. The pace may differ from a busy city department.
3. Pflugerville Fire Rescue: Adjacent to Round Rock, Pflugerville is another fast-growing suburb. Their department is expanding, and they often collaborate with RRFD on major incidents. They are a solid employer with competitive pay and benefits.
4. Austin Fire Department (AFD): While based in Austin proper, AFD is a massive department with over 1,000 personnel. It offers immense opportunities for specialty assignments (Airport Fire, Marine, Arson Investigation). Commuting from Round Rock to downtown Austin is common (30-45 minutes on a good day, longer with traffic).
5. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) - Brayton Fire Training Field: Located in College Station (~1 hour drive), TEEX is one of the nation's top fire training academies. While not a direct employer for operational firefighters, it's a critical hub for certification and advanced training. Many local firefighters travel here for specialized courses.
6. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: The Round Rock area, particularly in nearby industrial parks in Georgetown and Taylor, has private facilities (manufacturing, data centers) that maintain their own fire brigades or contract with private fire services. These roles often require specific industrial firefighting certifications.

Hiring Trends: The region is in a sustained growth phase. The Austin metro added 263 firefighting jobs over the last decade, a 4% growth rate. While not explosive, it's steady and indicates ongoing demand. Departments are increasingly looking for candidates with EMT-Basic or Paramedic certifications, as EMS calls often constitute 70-80% of their call volume.

Getting Licensed in TX

To work as a firefighter in Texas, you must be certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). The process is structured and rigorous.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

1. Meet Basic Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check.
2. Complete a Fire Academy: You must graduate from a TCFP-accredited Basic Firefighter Certification Program. This is typically a 6-9 month academy, combining classroom instruction and hands-on drills. Many community colleges in the area offer these programs (e.g., Temple College, Austin Community College). Cost: $5,000 - $10,000 (including gear, books, tuition).
3. Pass the State Exam: After graduation, you must pass the TCFP written and practical exams.
4. Obtain EMT Certification: This is not a TCFP requirement but is a de facto requirement for almost all hiring departments. Most Texas academies integrate EMT-Basic training into their program. If not, you'll need to complete a separate EMT course. Cost: $1,500 - $3,000.
5. Apply for a Firefighter Certification: Once you have passed your exams, you apply to the TCFP for your official certification card.

Timeline to Get Started: From day one of an academy to being eligible for hire is typically 9-12 months. However, the hiring process itself (testing, interviews, background checks, medical exams) can add another 6-12 months. Plan for a 1.5 to 2-year timeline from application to your first shift.

Insider Tip: The cost of the academy can be prohibitive. Research departments like RRFD—they sometimes sponsor candidates through their own academy or provide tuition reimbursement upon hiring. This is a major benefit and can save you thousands upfront.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Choosing where to live depends on your commute preference, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four options, all within a short drive of major fire stations.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Downtown Round Rock	Walkable, historic, near restaurants and the Round Rock Premium Outlets. 5-10 min commute to RRFD HQ and Station 1.	$1,700 - $1,900	Ideal for those who want a short commute and a lively, small-town feel.
Teravista / Round Rock West	Master-planned communities with pools, parks, and trails. Suburban family feel. 10-15 min commute to most stations.	$1,550 - $1,750	Great for those seeking a quiet, safe environment with modern amenities.
Forest Creek / Behrens Ranch	Established neighborhoods with mature trees and larger lots. Near top-rated schools. 10-15 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,700	Perfect for firefighters with families looking for space and a strong community.
Hutto / Taylor (East)	More affordable, small-town feel east of Round Rock. 15-25 min commute to Round Rock stations.	$1,300 - $1,500	A smart choice for budget-conscious firefighters willing to trade a longer commute for lower rent.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35 is a major factor. Living west of I-35 (like in Teravista) can make the commute to stations east of the highway (like Station 5 in the east part of the city) more stressful during rush hour. Consider a potential station assignment when choosing a neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as a firefighter in Round Rock offers clear paths for advancement and specialization.

Specialty Premiums: Many departments offer monthly premium pay for special certifications. While specific amounts vary, expect $100-$300/month extra for:

• Paramedic
• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Technician
• Technical Rescue (Confined Space, Rope, Trench)
• Fire Inspector / Fire Investigator

Advancement Paths: The typical ladder is Firefighter I → Firefighter II/III → Engineer (drives the truck) → Captain (station commander) → Battalion Chief. Advancement requires time-in-service, passing promotional exams, and often a college degree (Associate's or Bachelor's in Fire Science or Public Administration is increasingly common).

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): The projected 4% job growth over the next decade is positive but modest. It means steady opportunities, not explosive hiring booms. The key to long-term growth will be specialization. Firefighters who become Paramedics, Hazmat Technicians, or Fire Inspectors will have the most mobility and earning potential. The rise of EMS as a primary function of fire departments will continue, making paramedic certification a virtual prerequisite for senior roles.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary that matches the national average.	High Rent & Housing Costs that can strain a single income.
Steady Job Market with 4% growth in the metro.	Traffic Congestion on I-35 can impact commute times.
Diverse Employers (City, County, nearby Austin).	Competitive Hiring process, especially for top departments.
Professional Development access to top-tier training (TEEX).	Texas Property Taxes are high, impacting homeownership costs.
Quality of Life in a family-friendly, growing suburb.	Car-Dependent environment; limited public transit.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent choice for firefighters who are strategic planners. It's not the place to expect rapid wealth accumulation on a single income, but it offers a stable, professional career in a vibrant community. It's ideal for:

• Single firefighters or couples with dual incomes who can comfortably manage the cost of living.
• Those willing to specialize (paramedic, tech rescue) to maximize their earning potential and job security.
• Individuals seeking balance between meaningful work in a busy metro area and a quieter, family-oriented suburban lifestyle.

If you're prepared to invest in your certifications and plan your finances carefully, Round Rock can be a rewarding place to build a long-term firefighting career.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a Texas resident to apply for a firefighting job in Round Rock?
No. Most departments, including RRFD, accept applications from out-of-state candidates. However, you must have or be eligible to obtain Texas firefighter certification by your start date. Many departments will hire you contingent on passing their academy and getting licensed.

2. How competitive is the hiring process for the Round Rock Fire Department?
Very competitive. RRFD often receives hundreds of applications for a small number of positions. They use a civil service exam, physical ability test, panel interviews, and an extensive background investigation. Having your EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification before you apply will significantly boost your chances.

3. What is the work schedule like?
The standard schedule in Texas is a "24-hour on, 48-hour off" shift (often called a "Keller" schedule). Some departments may use 48/96 (two days on, four days off). This schedule is great for work-life balance but can be demanding during your 24-hour shift.

4. Is the wear and tear on my body a major concern in this climate?
Absolutely. Central Texas summers are brutal, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F for months. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks. Departments have strict protocols, and physical fitness is non-negotiable. You must be in excellent condition to handle the gear and the exertion safely.

5. Are there volunteer fire departments in the area?
The Round Rock area is largely served by paid, professional departments. Volunteer opportunities exist in more rural parts of Williamson County, often through the Emergency Services Districts. However, if you're seeking a career, your path will be through a paid department.