Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Salina, Kansas.

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Career Guide: Firefighter in Salina, Kansas

As a career analyst who has spent years studying the job markets of mid-sized Midwestern cities, I can tell you that Salina presents a unique case study. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but it’s the commercial and healthcare hub for a vast rural region. For a firefighter, that means a specific mix of call types, community integration, and cost of living. This guide cuts through the generic advice and gives you the local details you need to decide if Salina is your next home.

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because they tell the most important story. The median salary for a Firefighter in Salina is $55,063 per year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.47.

When stacked against the national average of $57,120/year, Salina sits just slightly below, but the context is everything. The national average is heavily skewed by high-cost coastal cities like San Francisco and New York. In the Midwest, Salina’s compensation is competitive, especially when you factor in the dramatically lower cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically progress with experience in the Salina market. Note that these are estimates based on collective bargaining agreements and regional data:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Estimate	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00	Starting with EMT-Basic certification.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$55,000 - $60,000	$26.44 - $28.85	Typically as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Senior (10-19 years)	$61,000 - $68,000	$29.33 - $32.69	Engineer or Lieutenant roles.
Expert (20+ years)	$69,000 - $78,000+	$33.17 - $37.50+	Captain, Battalion Chief, or specialized divisions.

Insider Tip: The City of Salina offers a step-raise system. Most firefighters will see a predictable increase each year until they reach the top of their pay grade. It’s not glamorous, but it’s consistent.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

How does Salina stack up? Let’s look at a few other Kansas cities with similar population sizes.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Notes
Salina	$55,063	88.0	Salina Regional Health Center, strong agricultural base.
Manhattan (KS)	~$56,500	92.0	Kansas State University drives demand.
Hutchinson	~$52,800	84.0	Smaller industrial base, lower median.
Topeka	~$58,200	89.0	State capital, larger government employment.

Salina hits a sweet spot: a solid salary paired with one of the lowest costs of living in the region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $55,063 salary sounds different on paper than it does in your bank account. Let’s run the numbers for Salina. We’ll estimate taxes (federal, state, FICA) at roughly 22% of gross income, which is standard for this bracket.

• Gross Annual Salary: $55,063
• Estimated Annual Taxes (~22%): $12,114
• Estimated Net Annual Income: $42,949
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: $3,579

Now, let’s factor in the local rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Salina rents for $792/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Firefighter Earning $55,063)

Category	Estimated Cost	Percentage of Net Income
Rent (1BR)	$792	22.2%
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	4.2%
Groceries	$350	9.8%
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	12.6%
Health Insurance (City Plan)	$200	5.6%
Retirement (457b/IRA)	$300	8.4%
Misc. (Cell, Gym, etc.)	$250	7.0%
Total Expenses	$2,492	69.8%
Remaining for Savings/Discretion	$1,087	30.2%

Can they afford to buy a home?
With over $1,000 left over each month after a conservative budget, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Salina is around $150,000 - $180,000. A 20% down payment on a $165,000 home is $33,000. At a $1,087 monthly savings rate, you could save that down payment in about 30 months. In Salina, you can be a homeowner within 3 years on a firefighter's salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

The Salina Fire Department (SFD) is the primary employer, but it’s not the only one. The job market here is defined by a mix of municipal service, healthcare, and industrial safety.

1. Salina Fire Department (SFD): The largest employer. SFD runs three stations and serves a population of over 46,000. They have a strong emphasis on EMS, with a high percentage of calls being medical. Hiring Trend: They typically run testing cycles every 1-2 years, often tied to retirements. You must be on the Kansas Firefighter I/II certification list to apply.
2. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): This is the region's Level III Trauma Center. They employ Firefighter/Paramedics in their Emergency Department and offer critical care transport (ground and air). This is a prime career path for those wanting hospital-based fire service roles.
3. Morris County Fire District: Just east of Salina, this district covers a mix of rural and suburban land, including the I-70 corridor. They often hire for part-time or paid-on-call positions, which is a common entry point in Kansas.
4. Smoky Hill Airport (Salina Municipal): The airport has its own fire protection, often contracted through the Salina Fire Department or a separate airport authority. It’s a niche, 24/7 shift environment.
5. Local Industrial Plants (e.g., ADM, Great Plains Manufacturing): These large facilities have internal safety and emergency response teams. While not traditional municipal firefighting, these roles offer high pay and focus on industrial hazard mitigation.
6. University Fire Marshal (Kansas Wesleyan University): Small campus, but a fire safety role that includes inspections and education. It’s a good fit for someone with an interest in fire prevention.
7. Kansas Forest Service (Regional Office): Located in Salina, this office oversees wildfire management for a multi-county region. It’s a state-level job with a different rhythm than municipal fire.

Insider Tip: In Kansas, many rural departments and even some city departments operate on a paid-on-call (POC) or a combination model. It’s not uncommon for firefighters to work full-time for SFD and pick up shifts at a neighboring POC department. This can significantly boost income.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a clear, state-mandated path to becoming a firefighter. The process is managed through the Kansas Firefighter Training (KFT) in Manhattan, KS.

Steps & Requirements:

1. Firefighter I & II Certification: This is the core. You must complete a state-approved course (typically 200+ hours). It’s often offered at community colleges (like Salina Tech) or through regional training centers.
   • Cost: $1,200 - $2,500 (depending on if you live in-district for a college).
   • Timeline: ~6 months if done full-time, or 9-12 months while working.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: Almost every department in Kansas requires EMT-B as a minimum. For Salina, EMT-Paramedic is highly preferred and often required for full-time hiring.
   • Cost: $1,500 - $3,000 for EMT-B; $10,000+ for Paramedic (often taken at Salina Regional Health Center’s program).
   • Timeline: EMT-B (6 months), Paramedic (12-18 months).
3. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): You must pass this standardized fitness test. It’s administered at a certified site (often in Topeka or Wichita). You’ll need to train for it specifically.
4. Written Exam & Oral Board: These are competitive. Study local history, department policies, and current fire service trends.
5. Background Check & Psychological Exam: Standard for public safety.

Budget for the Path: If you need both Firefighter I/II and EMT-B, expect to invest $3,000 - $5,000 and 6-12 months of dedicated time before you can even apply.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Salina is compact, and commutes are minimal. However, neighborhood choice affects lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why a Firefighter Might Like It
North Salina	Quiet, older homes, close to SRHC and Station 1.	$675 - $850	Minimal commute to downtown. Established, safe area.
South Salina	Newer developments, family-oriented, near South Shopping Center.	$775 - $950	Close to Station 3. Good for families, modern amenities.
East Salina	Rural feel, larger lots, near the airport and I-70.	$700 - $875	Easy access to training grounds and industrial employers.
Downtown/Industrial Area	Urban, walkable, loft apartments.	$850 - $1,100	For those who want a "city feel" with a 5-minute commute.

Insider Tip: Salina has a "fire line". The city provides fire protection up to a certain distance from the city limits. If you live outside this line, you may be served by a rural fire district with different response protocols. If you own a home, this can affect insurance rates and response times.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Salina is stable, but growth requires specialization. The traditional ladder is Firefighter → Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Paramedic Premium: This is the single biggest career booster. In the Salina market, being a Firefighter/Paramedic can add $5,000 - $10,000 annually in special pay and make you a top candidate for any opening.
• Hazmat Endorsement: Salina’s location on I-70 and its industrial base means hazmat calls are a reality. Training and certification here are valuable.
• Technical Rescue Team: SFD has a TRT for confined space, trench, and high-angle rescue. Being on this team offers additional training and a premium.
• Fire Prevention/Investigation: A move to the fire marshal’s office is a common path for senior firefighters. It’s a 9-5 schedule and focuses on inspections and education.

10-Year Outlook:
The 10-year job growth for Firefighters in the metro is projected at 4%. This is steady, not explosive. It means openings will occur due to retirements, not massive expansion. With an aging workforce, the next decade will likely see a wave of openings. The key to advancement is diversifying your skills—get your EMT-P, get hazmat certified, and stay physically fit. The retirements are coming; the question is whether you’ll have the qualifications to fill the seats.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $55,063 salary goes far. Homeownership is a realistic goal.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% job growth means you must be patient. Advancement is often tied to seniority.
Competitive Pay for the Region: Slightly below national avg, but top-tier for Kansas cost of living.	Limited Department Size: SFD has fewer stations than a major metro. Fewer specialty divisions.
Strong EMS Integration: As a major healthcare hub, opportunities to work as a Firefighter/Paramedic are plentiful.	Isolation: You are a 2-hour drive from Wichita and 1.5 hours from Topeka. It's a self-contained community.
High Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, short commutes, and a strong sense of community.	Weather: Kansas winters can be harsh (ice storms) and summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation:
Salina is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and financial comfort over urban excitement. It’s ideal for starting a family, buying a home, and building a long-term career without the financial stress of a major city. If you’re a paramedic—or are willing to become one—you’ll be in a prime position. It’s not a place for someone seeking the fastest promotions or the most diverse call volume, but for a grounded professional who wants to serve a community that knows your name, Salina is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the hiring for Salina Fire Department?
A: It’s moderately competitive. They typically receive 50-100 applications for 2-4 open spots. Having your Firefighter I/II and EMT-Paramedic certification puts you in the top tier of applicants.

Q: Do I need to live in Salina to work for the Salina Fire Department?
A: No, but you must live within a 30-minute response time to the station. Many firefighters live in nearby towns like Assaria, Mentor, or even Brookville to get more land for their money.

Q: What is the shift schedule like?
A: Salina Fire Department typically runs a 24-hours on, 48-hours off schedule, which is standard. They may have 3 or 4 shifts, depending on staffing.

Q: Are there volunteer opportunities to get experience?
A: Yes. Rural departments around Salina (like Gypsum, Smolan, or Lindsborg) often have volunteer or paid-on-call positions. This is a fantastic way to get experience and network while you’re in school.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a new firefighter in Salina?
A: The biggest challenge is the EMS volume. Salina Regional Health Center is a busy Level III trauma center. A significant portion of your calls will be medical, not fire. You must be prepared and certified to handle medical emergencies efficiently.

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Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kansas Department of Labor, Salina Regional Health Center, City of Salina Fire Department, Kansas Firefighter Training, Zumper/RentCafe for rent data, and local market analysis.