Firefighter in Twin Falls, ID

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Twin Falls, Idaho.

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The Salary Picture: Where Twin Falls Stands

As a local, I’ll tell you straight: Firefighting in Twin Falls isn’t about getting rich, but it’s a solid, stable career in a place where your paycheck goes further. The median salary for a Firefighter in the Twin Falls metro area is $55,166/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.52/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, the extremely low cost of living in Twin Falls more than makes up for the difference.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are only 106 Firefighter jobs in the entire metro area, which includes Twin Falls and Jerome. Growth is slow but steady, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This means openings don’t come up daily, but when they do, competition can be fierce. Most of those jobs are with the Twin Falls Fire Department, the largest in the region, but also include roles with the Jerome Fire Department and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for wildland positions.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our area. Note that these are common local estimates based on the median data and public sector pay schedules.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Responsibilities in Twin Falls
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $52,000	Firefighter/EMT, basic suppression, station duties, initial training.
Mid-Career	$55,000 - $65,000	Senior Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, advanced rescue, specialized training.
Senior	$65,000 - $75,000	Lieutenant, Station Captain, training officer, incident command.
Expert	$75,000 - $90,000+	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, specialty team leader (HazMat, Technical Rescue).

Local Insight: The Twin Falls Fire Department’s pay scale is public. Starting EMTs are on the lower end, but moving to a driver/engineer role or getting your paramedic certification can bump you up significantly. The City of Twin Falls offers a structured pay ladder, and longevity pay kicks in after several years.

Comparison to Other Idaho Cities:

• Boise: Median is higher (~$62,000), but the cost of living is drastically higher.
• Idaho Falls: Similar cost of living, slightly lower median salary (~$53,000).
• Coeur d'Alene: Median is similar to Boise, but housing costs are astronomical compared to Twin Falls.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Twin Falls city jobs come with a strong benefits package, including a defined-benefit pension (PERA), excellent health insurance, and paid time off. This total compensation package is worth much more than the base number.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. With a median salary of $55,166, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (using Idaho’s state income tax and federal deductions) is approximately $3,350. This is a conservative estimate and can vary based on your 401k/PERA contributions and health plan.

The Twin Falls rental market is one of the most affordable in the West. The average 1-bedroom apartment rents for $806/month. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single firefighter living modestly:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Twin Falls
Take-Home Pay	$3,350	After taxes, PERA, health insurance.
Rent (1BR Apt)	-$806	Average; can find for $750 or less in some areas.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Wtr)	-$150	Shared bills in winter can be higher.
Groceries	-$350	Affordable local options: Walmart, WinCo, Ridley’s.
Transportation	-$300	Gas is cheaper here; many firefighters have reliable trucks.
Insurance (Car/Renters)	-$150	Idaho has lower car insurance rates.
Phone/Internet	-$100	Basic plans available.
Miscellaneous	-$300	Eating out, entertainment, gear.
Remaining	$1,194	For savings, debt, or fun.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is a huge draw. The median home price in Twin Falls is around $290,000 - high for Idaho but still very accessible for a single-income household with a $55,166 salary. With a $1,194 monthly surplus, a firefighter can comfortably save for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $290k home is $58,000. With disciplined saving, you could be a homeowner in 3-5 years. The mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be around $1,500-$1,600/month, which is manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Twin Falls's Major Employers

The firefighter job market here is dominated by a few key public employers. Private industrial firefighting is virtually non-existent. Your primary targets are:

1. Twin Falls Fire Department: The largest employer, with 6 stations covering the city and surrounding areas. They run a mix of EMS and fire calls. Hiring happens 1-2 times per year, often in spring/summer. They use a rigorous testing process: written exam, CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), oral boards, and background check.
2. Jerome Fire Department: Covers the city of Jerome and parts of the county. Often hires jointly with Twin Falls for regional training. Slightly smaller department, which can mean faster advancement for those who get in.
3. Box Canyon Fire Protection District: Serves the unincorporated areas and smaller communities around Twin Falls. Good option for those wanting a district feel rather than a city department.
4. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Twin Falls District: For wildland firefighters. This is seasonal (May-October) but pays well during the season. It’s a fantastic way to get experience and network. You’ll work on crews fighting grass and brush fires in the Snake River Canyon and surrounding sagebrush steppe.
5. Magic Valley Regional Hospital (St. Luke’s): Not a fire department, but a major partner. Many firefighters work as EMTs or Paramedics here to supplement income or gain medical experience. They also have a Flight Paramedic program that looks favorably on fire service experience.
6. Idaho State Police (ISP): While not fire, ISP District 4 (Magic Valley) often recruits from the fire service for their crash reconstruction or special operations teams.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward multi-certified applicants. Having your EMT-Basic is the minimum; having your Paramedic license is a massive advantage. There’s also a push for technical rescue and hazmat awareness due to the I-84 corridor and local industry (food processing, agriculture).

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho has a straightforward but strict certification process governed by the Idaho Fire Bureau (under the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - DOPL).

Requirements & Costs:

1. Firefighter I & II: You must complete a state-approved academy. The most common path is through the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) or the Idaho Fire Academy (located in Boise, but they offer regional training). The academy itself can cost $2,000 - $4,000 (tuition, books, gear). Some departments, like Twin Falls, may sponsor you through the academy after you’re hired.
2. EMT-Basic: This is often a prerequisite. You can take the EMT course at CSI (cost: $800-$1,200). You then must pass the National Registry exam and apply for Idaho licensure (ID fee: ~$50).
3. State Certification Exam: After completing Fire I/II, you take the state certification exam. Exam fee: ~$100.
4. Driver/Engineer (D/E): This is a separate certification requiring advanced training (pump operations, hydraulics). Often done in-house with your department. Fee: ~$150 for the state exam.

Timeline to Get Started:

• 0-6 Months: Get your EMT-Basic if you don’t have it. Start physical training (CPAT prep).
• 6-12 Months: Enroll in a Fire I/II academy (while maintaining your EMT job).
• 12-18 Months: Graduate academy, get certified, apply to Twin Falls/Jerome departments. The hiring process itself takes 3-6 months from application to offer, including testing and background.

Insider Tip: The Twin Falls Fire Department prefers local candidates who have already completed their academy and are certified. It reduces their training liability. If you’re moving from out of state, contact the department first to see if they have an "out-of-state" equivalency program or if you need to complete a local academy.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Twin Falls is a compact city. Commutes are short, but where you live affects your lifestyle and budget. Here are 4 neighborhoods to consider:

1. Southeast Twin Falls (Near CSI & Hospital):

   • Vibe: Quiet, established, family-friendly. Close to the College of Southern Idaho, where many take classes.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown station. 10 minutes to St. Luke’s.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $950/month (2BR apartments or small houses).
   • Best For: Single firefighters or young couples. Easy access to training and part-time EMS work.

2. Eastside (Near 3200 E & Addison Ave):

   • Vibe: Newer developments, more modern housing. Growing area with new shopping.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown. Slightly longer but easy access to I-84 if you work for BLM.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month (newer 1-2BR apartments).
   • Best For: Those wanting a modern apartment with amenities. Good for future homebuyers looking at new construction.

3. Downtown/West End:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, near the Snake River Canyon and Perrine Bridge. Older homes with character.
   • Commute: 0-5 minutes to the main station (Station 1). Walk/bike to work.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900/month (older 1BR apartments, studios, or shared houses).
   • Best For: The firefighter who wants to be in the heart of the action. You can walk to bars, restaurants, and the canyon rim. Ideal if you don’t have a car or want to save on gas.

4. North Twin Falls (Near 12th Ave):

   • Vibe: More residential, mix of older and newer homes. Quieter, more suburban feel.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to downtown. Close to the airport and BLM district office.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month (2BR apartments or rental houses).
   • Best For: Those with families or who want more space. Good access to the BLM for wildland firefighters.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Twin Falls, career growth is defined by specialty certifications and rank advancement. The 10-year outlook (4% job growth) is modest, but internal promotions are steady.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Paramedic: This is the single biggest career booster. It opens up roles on ambulances (if your department runs EMS), increases your value for promotion, and can lead to Flight Medic opportunities. The pay bump can be $5,000-$10,000 annually.
• Technical Rescue (TR): Twin Falls has swift water, confined space, and rope rescue needs due to the canyon and agriculture. Getting on the regional TR team is a prestigious and career-advancing move.
• HazMat Technician: Critical for the I-84 corridor and local industry. Often leads to a position on an incident management team.
• Investigation/Fire Marshal: After 5-10 years, experienced firefighters can move into fire investigation. Requires additional training and certification.
• Leadership Path: The standard track is Firefighter → Engineer → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires passing promotional exams and taking leadership courses (often through the National Fire Academy or Idaho State Fire Training).

10-Year Outlook: While the metro area won’t see explosive growth, the retirement of the "baby boomer" generation of firefighters will create openings. The key will be having your Paramedic certification and being willing to work for the BLM during your early years to gain diverse experience. Those with specialties will be the first to promote.

The Verdict: Is Twin Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living – Your $55,166 salary feels like $70k+ elsewhere.	Limited Job Market – Only 106 jobs total; hiring is infrequent.
Stable, Family-Friendly Community – Safe neighborhoods, good schools, outdoor access.	Slower Career Growth – Advancement to senior ranks can take time in a small department.
Outdoor Paradise – Direct access to the Snake River Canyon, hiking, fishing, skiing.	Isolation – The nearest major city (Boise) is 2 hours away. Can feel remote.
Strong Department Culture – Twin Falls FD is known for being tight-knit and professional.	Seasonal Wildfire Smoke – Summers can have poor air quality from regional fires.
Home Ownership is Achievable – You can buy a house on a firefighter’s salary.	Limited Specialties – Fewer opportunities for ultra-niche specialties compared to a large metro.

Final Recommendation: Twin Falls is an excellent choice for a firefighter seeking a balanced life outside the job, with financial stability and home ownership potential. It’s ideal for those early in their career who can get in now and work their way up, or for mid-career firefighters looking to slow down the pace of life.

It is not the best fit for someone chasing the highest possible salary or looking for a fast-paced, big-city fire service with a vast array of specialized units. If you’re a "firefighter’s firefighter" who loves the job but wants to own a home, live near incredible nature, and be part of a close community, Twin Falls is one of the best places in the country to do it.

FAQs

Q: I’m a firefighter from California with 5 years of experience. Will my out-of-state certifications transfer? A: Idaho has reciprocity, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to submit your training records to the Idaho Fire Bureau for review. You may need to take a challenge exam or a short refresher course. Contact the Twin Falls FD before moving to confirm their specific hiring process for out-of-state firefighters. Your experience is a major plus, but you must be certified in Idaho.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Twin Falls FD? A: Highly competitive for a city of its size. They often receive 100+ applications for a few spots. To stand out, have your EMT-Basic and Fire I/II certifications completed, a clean driving/background record, and a strong physical fitness score (CPAT). Being a local candidate who has already completed CSI’s academy gives you a significant edge.

Q: What is the call volume like for Twin Falls firefighters? A: It’s a busy department for its size. Twin Falls FD runs approximately 3,000-4,000 calls per year. A significant portion are medical assists (EMS), with structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, and public assists making up the rest. The Jerome FD and Box Canyon districts have lower call volumes but cover larger geographic areas.

Q: Can I work as a wildland firefighter and a structural firefighter? A: Yes, many do. The BLM fire season runs from May to October, which overlaps with the structural fire academy and hiring cycles. It’s common for new firefighters to work a season with the BLM to gain experience and build their resume before applying to a city department. Some structural departments have policies about outside employment, so check with the specific department.

Q: What’s the best way to get my foot in the door? A: 1) Get your EMT-Basic from CSI. 2) Work on an ambulance (like at St. Luke’s) to gain patient care experience. 3) Enroll in the CSI Fire Academy. 4) Visit the Twin Falls Fire Department and talk to firefighters (they’re very approachable). 5) Apply for any wildland firefighter positions with the BLM. This path shows commitment and local investment.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Idaho Department of Labor, City of Twin Falls Public Records, College of Southern Idaho, Idaho Fire Bureau (DOPL).