Firefighter Career Guide: Sunrise Manor CDP, Nevada

As a local career analyst who’s watched this valley’s fire service evolve for over a decade, I can tell you that Sunrise Manor isn’t just another Las Vegas suburb. It’s the working-class heart of the urban core, where the fire department’s challenges are as real as the desert heat. This guide isn’t about selling you on the city; it’s about giving you the unfiltered data you need to decide if this is where you want to build your career.

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The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Manor CDP Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Firefighter in Sunrise Manor CDP, NV is $56,674/year, with an hourly rate of $27.25/hour. This sits just below the national average of $57,120/year, but when you factor in Nevada’s lack of state income tax, your take-home pay becomes more competitive. The metro area (which includes Sunrise Manor and all of Clark County) supports 427 Firefighter jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. That’s steady, not explosive—meaning you’re looking at a stable, predictable employment market rather than a boomtown.

Experience is everything. The pay scale in Clark County Fire Protection District, which serves Sunrise Manor, is transparent and follows a clear progression.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Sunrise Manor CDP)	Notes
Entry (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	First 1-2 years. Base pay, no longevity.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$56,000 - $68,000	Hits the median. Gains certifications, shifts.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Includes longevity pay, potential specialty roles.
Expert/ Leadership	$90,000+	Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief. Includes education incentives.

How does this compare to other Nevada cities?

• Las Vegas City (Inside the City Limits): Salaries are often 5-10% higher due to the metro pay scale and higher cost of living in the core tourist zones. The trade-off is a much higher call volume and density.
• Reno: Median salary is roughly equivalent (~$55,500/year), but the cost of living in Washoe County is ~3-5% higher than in Clark County.
• Henderson: A wealthy suburb with its own fire department. Median salary is competitive (~$58,000/year), but the cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly higher. The workload can be more residential and less dense than Sunrise Manor.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. The real earnings come from overtime (OT) and special details. In a busy metro like Clark County, it’s not uncommon for experienced firefighters to earn 20-30% above base through OT. However, the 4% job growth indicates that promotions will be competitive.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Nevada’s lack of state income tax is a massive benefit. For a single filer, federal taxes and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) will eat roughly 20-22% of your gross pay. Let’s run the numbers for a firefighter earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Firefighter (Median Salary: $56,674/year)

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,723	$56,674 / 12
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	($982)	~20.8% (Fed + FICA)
Take-Home Pay	$3,741
Average 1BR Rent	($1,314)	City-wide average
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	($250)	Summer A/C costs are high
Groceries & Food	($500)
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	($500)	NV has high car insurance rates
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	($200)
Student Loans/Other Debt	($300)	Variable
Leftover/Savings	$677

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in the Sunrise Manor area is approximately $320,000 - $360,000. With a $3,741 monthly take-home, a $1,500/month mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be roughly 40% of your take-home pay. This is tight but manageable for a single-income household with no other major debt. It’s significantly more feasible with a dual-income household or after reaching the mid-career salary range ($68,000+). Many local firefighters partner with a spouse or partner to enter the housing market. The 10-year job stability (4% growth) provides the income security for a long-term mortgage.

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Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise Manor CDP's Major Employers

Sunrise Manor itself is a census-designated place (CDP) within the Las Vegas Valley. Fire services are provided primarily by the Clark County Fire Protection District (CCFPD) and the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue (LVFR) for areas near the city limits. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. Clark County Fire Protection District (CCFPD) - Station 22 (Sunrise Manor): This is your primary local employer. Station 22, located on Sunrise Mountain Road, serves the heart of Sunrise Manor. They run a busy mix of medical assists, structure fires, wildland interface calls, and MVAs (motor vehicle accidents). Hiring is competitive and often done through Clark County’s civil service system.
2. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue (LVFR): While LVFR’s main jurisdiction is the City of Las Vegas, they have stations bordering Sunrise Manor (like Station 5 in the Charleston Heights area). These stations are often among the busiest in the nation. Getting hired here means working in one of the highest call-volume environments in the U.S.
3. North Las Vegas Fire Department: North Las Vegas borders Sunrise Manor to the west. NLVFD is rapidly growing to keep pace with the expansion in the northern part of the valley. They offer a competitive salary and benefits package and are frequently recruiting.
4. The Valley Health System: While not a fire department, this hospital network (Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, MountainView Hospital, etc.) is a massive healthcare employer in the region. Many off-duty firefighters pick up paramedic or EMT shifts here, providing a critical income supplement.
5. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD): LVMPD has an extensive Fire & Rescue Division for the airport (Harry Reid International) and various facilities. It’s a specialized branch of the fire service with different call profiles. They also have a strong relationship with CCFPD for mutual aid.
6. Federal Fire Department (Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse / Other Federal Facilities): For those with veteran preference or federal interest, federal fire jobs in the area exist but are less common and have specific hiring channels.
7. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Southern Nevada District Office: Seasonal wildland firefighting positions are posted here. It’s a common entry point for those wanting to build experience before transitioning to a municipal department.

Hiring Trends: The 4% job growth is accurate but misleading if you think it’s slow. In reality, it means steady retirements (the “gray wave” is hitting many departments) and modest expansion. The biggest trend is the integration of paramedic-level service. Departments are prioritizing candidates with EMT-P certifications. A simple EMT-B is no longer enough to stand out.

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Getting Licensed in NV

Nevada’s licensing is managed by the Nevada State Board of Fire Protection. You cannot simply walk into a job without the right credentials.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Firefighter I/II Certification: You must graduate from a certified Nevada Firefighter I/II academy. These are typically 6-8 month intensive programs with live-fire training. Cost: $3,000 - $5,000 for in-state residents.
2. EMT-B or Paramedic License: A Nevada EMT-B license is the absolute minimum. As noted, Paramedic (EMT-P) is the new standard for hiring. The EMT-B course is ~6 months and costs $1,000-$2,000. A full Paramedic program is 12-18 months and can cost $8,000 - $15,000.
3. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): All departments use this standardized physical fitness test. You must pass it before an offer. It’s not easy; training for it is a full-time job in itself.
4. Background Check & Medical: Nevada requires a rigorous background check. Any felony conviction is an automatic disqualification. The medical exam is a full physical, including drug screening and a pulmonary function test (often called the "lung function test" for firefighting).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Enroll in a Firefighter I/II academy and EMT-B program (often combined). Pass both. Get your CPAT.
• Year 2: Apply to departments. The hiring cycle can take 6-12 months from application to academy start. Many academies are run by the departments themselves (like CCFPD’s 20-week academy).
• Year 3: If you start as an EMT-B, plan on working for 1-2 years before starting your Paramedic program. Many departments will pay for your Paramedic certification once you're hired.

Cost Breakdown (Pre-Hire):

• Firefighter I/II Academy: $3,000 - $5,000
• EMT-B Certification: $1,000 - $2,000
• CPAT Prep & Gear: $200 - $500
• Total Initial Investment: ~$4,200 - $7,700

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Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Sunrise Manor is a sprawling, working-class area with distinct micro-neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your shift schedule, commute, and lifestyle.

1. The Northern Tier (Near Vegas Valley Dr & Nellis Blvd):

   • Commute to Station 22: 5-10 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: This is the classic Sunrise Manor neighborhood—affordable, dense, and close to everything. You’re minutes from Nellis Air Force Base, the Las Vegas Strip (for entertainment), and major shopping centers. It’s loud and busy.
   • Est. 1BR Rent: $1,200 - $1,350
   • Best For: New singles who want a short commute and easy access to city life.

2. The East Side (Near Cheyenne Ave & Range Rd):

   • Commute to Station 22: 10-15 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: More residential and slightly quieter. Closer to the mountains for hiking and outdoor activities. You’re on the edge of the urban sprawl, with quicker access to the newer developments in the Henderson/Green Valley area.
   • Est. 1BR Rent: $1,250 - $1,400
   • Best For: Those who want a bit more space and don't mind a slightly longer commute.

3. The Core (Sunrise Mountain Area):

   • Commute to Station 22: 2-8 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: This is the most convenient location, literally where the fire station is. It’s an older, established area with some grit. You’re right in the mix of the busiest calls. The housing stock is older but affordable.
   • Est. 1BR Rent: $1,150 - $1,300
   • Best For: Firefighters who want to be at the firehouse in under 5 minutes. Ideal for those on busy OT schedules.

4. South Sunrise (Near Desert Inn Rd):

   • Commute to Station 22: 10-15 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of older homes and some newer apartments. Closer to the entertainment corridor (resorts, restaurants) for off-duty days. Traffic on Desert Inn can be a headache during rush hour.
   • Est. 1BR Rent: $1,300 - $1,450
   • Best For: Those who value proximity to entertainment and a slightly more diverse neighborhood feel.

Insider Tip: When renting, look for places with a garage or covered parking. The desert sun will destroy your car’s interior in a matter of months. Also, check the pool quality—a pool is a firehouse staple for off-duty recovery.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook with 4% job growth suggests a stable ladder, but advancement requires proactive steps. Here’s the path:

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Special Operations (Hazmat, Technical Rescue): These units are based at central stations. Getting on them requires years of experience and specialized training (often paid by the department). Premium pay can add $300 - $600/month.
• Fire Inspector / Arson Investigator: A desk-based, 9-5 role that requires additional certifications. Salaries can match or exceed line firefighter pay due to the expertise required.
• Paramedic to Nurse (Flight Nurse/Paramedic): With your EMT-P, you can bridge to an RN degree. Local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. This is a long-term exit strategy or a high-paying dual-career path.
• Leadership Ladder: Engineer (CDL, promotion exam) → Captain (Leadership test, experience) → Battalion Chief (Masters in Public Admin or Fire Science). Each step adds $10,000 - $20,000 in base salary.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth is conservative. Major projects like the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, Allegiant Stadium (home of the Raiders), and the F1 Grand Prix infrastructure all require fire safety oversight and create long-term specialist roles. The trend is toward community paramedicine, where firefighters proactively manage chronic health issues in the community, reducing 911 calls. This is a growth area for job security and advanced training.

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The Verdict: Is Sunrise Manor CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
No State Income Tax: Maximizes your take-home pay.	High Cost of Living (Despite No Tax): Housing and car insurance are expensive.
Stable Job Market: 427 jobs and 4% growth mean steady opportunity.	Extreme Weather: Summer heat (100°F+) and monsoon storms are brutal on the body and equipment.
High Call Volume: You’ll get more experience faster than in a sleepy town.	Transient Population: High turnover can be challenging for building long-term team cohesion.
Diverse Call Types: From high-rise fires to wildland interface calls.	Traffic: The I-15 and US-95 corridors are notoriously congested, impacting commute times.
Military/Veteran Community: Nellis AFB provides a strong veteran network and resources.	Cost of Living vs. Salary: The median salary ($56,674) is tight for a single person buying a home.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise Manor CDP is an excellent choice for a single, entry- to mid-level firefighter who is highly self-sufficient and motivated to pursue overtime or advanced certifications. It’s not a place to "coast" on a base salary. The cost of living is manageable if you budget wisely and are willing to start with a roommate or live in a smaller apartment. The career growth is there, but you must actively pursue it. If you’re looking for a slower pace or a more affordable single-income home purchase, you may find better value in the suburbs of Reno or smaller towns in Arizona. For those who thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and want to be where the action is, Sunrise Manor is a solid, pragmatic launchpad.

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FAQs

1. Do I need to be a Nevada resident to apply?
No. Most departments (CCCFD, LVFR) accept out-of-state applicants. However, you must have your Nevada Firefighter I/II and EMT licenses before your hire date, or be enrolled in an approved academy. The sooner you start the licensing process, the better.

2. How competitive is the hiring process?
Very competitive. For every opening, you’ll be competing against hundreds of candidates, including many from local community college programs. Having your EMT-P certification and a perfect CPAT score are the biggest differentiators. Be prepared for multiple interviews and a rigorous background check that can take 6+ months.

3. What’s the call volume like at Station 22 vs. downtown LV?
Station 22 in Sunrise Manor is very busy—often 10-15 calls per 24-hour shift. However, the busiest LVFR stations near the Strip can see **