Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Sheridan, Wyoming.

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A Firefighter's Guide to Sheridan, Wyoming

If you're a firefighter looking for a change of pace, Sheridan offers a unique blend of small-town community, stunning natural beauty in the Bighorn Mountains, and a practical cost of living. As a local, I've seen many emergency responders find a rewarding career here, but it's crucial to understand the local landscape. This guide breaks down the financial realities, job market, and lifestyle to help you decide if Sheridan is the right next chapter for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Sheridan Stands

Let's start with the numbers. Firefighting in Wyoming, and specifically in Sheridan, is a stable career, though it may not match the salaries of larger metro areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local data, here’s how the financials stack up.

• Median Salary: $55,543/year
• Hourly Rate: $26.7/hour
• National Average: $57,120/year
• Jobs in Metro: 38
• 10-Year Job Growth: 4%

Sheridan's median salary is slightly below the national average, but the lower cost of living (more on that later) often makes up for it. The job market is tight—there are only about 38 firefighter jobs in the metro area. This means competition can be stiff for full-time positions, but it also points to a stable, low-turnover environment.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries for firefighters in Sheridan typically follow a structured pay scale based on experience and rank. Here’s a general breakdown based on regional data and local department structures.

Experience Level	Approximate Annual Salary	Role Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$42,000 - $48,000	Basic firefighting duties, EMT-Basic certification, extensive training.
Mid-Career (Firefighter/EMT)	$52,000 - $60,000	Full operational duties, advanced certifications (EMT-Intermediate/Paramedic).
Senior (Driver/Engineer)	$60,000 - $68,000	Operating fire apparatus, mentoring junior members.
Expert (Captain/Battalion Chief)	$68,000 - $80,000+	Command & control, administration, specialized incident management.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the provided median salary and typical career progression in Wyoming's public sector.

Comparison to Other WY Cities

How does Sheridan compare to other cities in Wyoming?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer
Sheridan	$55,543	90.8	Sheridan County Fire District
Cheyenne	$59,120	96.5	Cheyenne Fire & Rescue
Casper	$58,450	94.2	Casper Fire-EMS
Jackson	$62,000+	145.5	Jackson Hole Fire/EMS

Sheridan's salary is competitive with Casper and Cheyenne, but the real differentiator is the cost of living. While Jackson offers a higher salary, its cost of living is astronomically higher, making Sheridan a more financially viable option for long-term stability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $55,543 sounds different in Sheridan than it does in New York or California. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget for a Firefighter (Median Salary: $55,543)

• Gross Monthly Income: $55,543 / 12 = $4,628
• Estimated Taxes (25%): ~$1,157
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: $3,471

Monthly Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: $876/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Gas): $500 (Sheridan is spread out; a reliable car is a must)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $150
• Miscellaneous (Gear, Recreation, Savings): $500
• Total Estimated Expenses: $2,626

Monthly Take-Home After Expenses: ~$845

This surplus allows for savings, a 401(k)/pension contribution, or paying down debt. It's a manageable budget, especially compared to high-cost areas.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes. With a monthly surplus of over $800, a firefighter earning the median salary can build a down payment. The median home price in Sheridan is approximately $315,000. With a 20% down payment ($63,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6% would have a monthly payment of around $1,500. This is higher than rent but feasible for a dual-income household or after a few years of saving. The low property taxes in Wyoming (typically 0.5-0.7% of assessed value) help keep ongoing costs reasonable.

Where the Jobs Are: Sheridan's Major Employers

The firefighter job market in Sheridan is dominated by public entities. Competition is for full-time, benefitted positions. Here are the key employers:

1. Sheridan County Fire District #1 (SCFD): This is the primary employer for professional firefighters in the area. They operate multiple stations covering the city of Sheridan and surrounding unincorporated areas. They run on a combination of career and volunteer staff, with a strong push for full-time EMT/Paramedic certifications.
2. City of Sheridan Fire Department: Works closely with SCFD but focuses on city limits. They often have distinct hiring cycles, so it's wise to monitor both agencies. They emphasize technical rescue (wildland, high-angle) due to the nearby Bighorn Mountains.
3. Sheridan Memorial Hospital: While not a fire department, the hospital's emergency department is a major partner. Some firefighters work PRN (as needed) as ER technicians, leveraging their EMT/Paramedic skills for extra income and clinical experience.
4. Wyoming Army National Guard (Camp Guernsey Training Center): Located 60 miles away, the Guard occasionally hires civilian fire specialists for their training areas. This can be a side gig or a full-time role for those with military experience.
5. Sheridan College (Fire Science Program): The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science. While not a direct employer, local firefighters often teach as adjuncts or serve on advisory boards, creating networking opportunities.
6. U.S. Forest Service (Bighorn National Forest): Seasonal wildland firefighting positions are available. While not a full-time home for structural firefighters, it's a great way to gain experience and supplement income during the summer fire season.
7. Private Ambulance Services: Companies like Mountain West Medical Services contract with local hospitals and may hire paramedics who hold firefighter certifications, offering another pathway to employment.

Hiring Trends: There is a slow but steady demand for EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic level firefighters. The departments are also looking for personnel with technical rescue and wildland firefighting certifications, given the local geography.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a clear but rigorous process for firefighter certification.

1. Firefighter Certification: The Wyoming Fire Academy (run by the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security) administers the certification. You'll need to complete a state-approved training program, which can be done through a community college (like Sheridan College) or a fire academy.

   • Cost: Training can range from $2,000 - $5,000 for a full certification program. Some departments may sponsor recruits.
   • Timeline: A full-time academy typically takes 6-8 months. Part-time evening/weekend programs can take up to a year.

2. EMT/Paramedic Certification: Most departments in Sheridan require at least EMT-Basic certification, with a strong preference for Paramedic.

   • EMT-Basic: Can be completed in 3-6 months.
   • Paramedic: Requires an additional 12-18 months of education and clinical hours.
   • Cost: EMT-Basic programs cost $1,000 - $2,500. Paramedic programs can cost $8,000 - $15,000.

3. State Fire Marshal Certification: After completing your training, you must apply for certification through the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office. This involves submitting transcripts, passing an exam, and a background check.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Sheridan get their EMT-Basic first, get hired (often as a probationary firefighter/EMT), and then use department tuition assistance programs to pursue their Paramedic certification. This is a cost-effective strategy.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Sheridan is a compact city, so commutes are generally short. However, lifestyle and housing costs vary by area.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Fire Station Proximity	1BR Rent Estimate
Downtown/ Historic District	Walkable, historic, near bars & restaurants. Commute to stations is 5-10 min max.	Close to Station 1 (Downtown)	$950 - $1,200
North Sheridan	Quieter, more residential, larger lots. Close to I-90 for quick access.	10-15 min to all stations	$800 - $950
South Sheridan	Residential, family-oriented, good schools. Near the hospital and college.	10-15 min to all stations	$850 - $1,000
East Sheridan	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes. Slightly longer commute but manageable.	15-20 min to all stations	$700 - $850
West Sheridan (Crest Addition)	Older, established neighborhood with character. Very close to the Bighorns for recreation.	10 min to Station 2 (West Side)	$750 - $900

Insider Tip: Most firefighters live in North or East Sheridan for the balance of affordability and reasonable commute times. If you're on a tight budget, East Sheridan is your best bet for finding a clean, safe apartment under $876/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Firefighting in Sheridan offers a stable, linear career path with opportunities for specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal salary bump, obtaining specialist certifications can lead to advancement. Key specialties in Sheridan include:

  • Paramedic: The single biggest career accelerator.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space, Swift Water): Critical for the Bighorn River and mountain terrain.
  • Wildland Firefighter (Red Card): Increases value for the U.S. Forest Service and local departments dealing with interface fires.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: A path to moving into administration.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Firefighter -> Engineer (Driver) -> Lieutenant -> Captain -> Battalion Chief. With the small size of local departments (38 jobs), advancement can be competitive but predictable. Moving from a local department to a county or state role is another option for growth.

• 10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): The 4% job growth is slow and steady. It means retirements will create openings, but new positions are rare. The key to long-term growth in Sheridan is versatility. A firefighter who is also a certified Paramedic, a Wildland expert, and a Technical Rescuers will have the most options for promotion and lateral moves.

The Verdict: Is Sheridan Right for You?

Sheridan isn't for everyone, but it's an exceptional fit for a specific type of firefighter.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far in housing, groceries, and daily life.	Limited Job Market: Only 38 jobs; competition is real for full-time spots.
Strong Community: Tight-knit departments and a supportive town.	Isolation: 2-3 hours from a major airport (Billings, MT or Denver, CO).
Outdoor Recreation: Unparalleled access to the Bighorn Mountains for hunting, hiking, skiing.	Weather: Harsh winters with heavy snow; long, cold nights.
Stable Department Structure: Clear career progression and pension system.	Limited Diversity: The population is predominantly white, which can be isolating for some.
Lower Stress Environment: Generally less violent crime and lower call volume than major metros.	Fewer Specialty Services: You may be a "jack-of-all-trades" rather than a specialist in a large urban system.

Final Recommendation: Sheridan is an excellent choice for firefighters seeking a work-life balance, community connection, and financial stability. It's ideal for those who value outdoor recreation and aren't dependent on a large metropolitan scene. It's less suitable for those seeking rapid, high-stress career advancement in a major urban fire system.

FAQs

1. What is the cost of living in Sheridan, WY?
The Cost of Living Index is 90.8, meaning it's about 9.2% cheaper than the U.S. average. A single person can live comfortably on a $55,543 salary, with a monthly surplus after rent and expenses.

2. How competitive are firefighter jobs in Sheridan?
Very competitive. With only 38 jobs in the metro area, openings are infrequent. Having your EMT-Basic and especially Paramedic certification drastically improves your chances. Networking with current Sheridan firefighters is highly recommended.

3. What are the housing options like?
There is a mix of older, historic homes and newer developments. The rental market is tight but affordable, with the average 1BR rent at $876/month. Buying a home is feasible on a firefighter's salary, with median home prices around $315,000.

4. What is the winter weather like?
Sheridan experiences a semi-arid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with average lows in the teens (°F) and regular snowfall. A reliable 4WD vehicle is essential. Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures often in the 80s-90s.

5. What is the best way to get hired here?

1. Get your Wyoming EMT certification first.
2. Apply for the Sheridan County Fire District #1 and City of Sheridan fire department testing pools (they often hold combined tests).
3. Network at station open houses or local community events.
4. If you're not yet certified, consider Sheridan College's Fire Science program to get your degree and make local connections.