Firefighter in Waukegan, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Waukegan Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Waukegan’s fire service offers a stable, middle-class wage, but it sits right at the national average—no more, no less. The median salary for a Firefighter in Waukegan is $57,565/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.68/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, but by only about 0.8%. It’s a living wage for the area, but don’t expect to get rich on the base pay alone. The real money comes from overtime, special assignments, and longevity.

Here’s how pay typically scales with experience in the Waukegan Fire Department (WFD) and similar Lake County agencies:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Waukegan Area)	Key Responsibilities
Entry (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	Basic fire suppression, EMT-Basic, station duties.
Mid (4-8 years)	$57,565 - $65,000	Driver/Operator, Fire Inspector, EMT-Intermediate.
Senior (9-15 years)	$68,000 - $82,000	Lieutenant, Captain, Specialty Teams (HazMat, Technical Rescue).
Expert (15+ years)	$85,000 - $100,000+	Battalion Chief, Division Chief, Executive Staff.

When you compare Waukegan to other Illinois cities, it’s a middle performer. Chicago Fire Department commands a higher median (around $95k), but the cost of living is exponentially higher. In downstate cities like Peoria or Springfield, salaries are closer to $52k-$55k, but you’ll face a slightly lower cost of living. Waukegan is a solid choice for those who want the suburban Lake County lifestyle without the extreme costs of the North Shore suburbs like Lake Forest or Highland Park.

Insider Tip: The Waukegan Fire Department operates on a 24-hour on/48-hour off shift schedule, which is standard for the region. This schedule is brutal for family life but excellent for taking on side work or pursuing education on your off days. Many firefighters here teach at the College of Lake County or work part-time at the Gurnee Mills mall security.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math. The median salary of $57,565 is your gross annual income. After federal, state, and local taxes (Cook County/Lake County), your take-home pay will be approximately $43,000-$44,000 per year, or about $3,580 - $3,660 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Entry-Level Firefighter (Gross: $52,000 / Take-Home: ~$3,300)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,231	Average for Waukegan (Lake County).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$180	Higher in winter due to heating.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Illinois car insurance is high.
Groceries	$350	Single occupant.
Health Insurance (Pre-tax)	$150	Varies by union plan.
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$200
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,561
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$739

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single income, it’s tight. The median home price in Waukegan is around $280,000. With a $57,565 salary, a lender would approve you for roughly a $240,000 mortgage. This means you’d be shopping in the lower tier of the market—likely condos or smaller single-family homes in neighborhoods like North Chicago or Beach Park. Most firefighters here buy homes in the $175k-$225k range, often after 5+ years of service and with a dual income. The Cost of Living Index of 102.6 (100 = national avg) means Waukegan is 2.6% more expensive than the typical U.S. city, driven largely by housing and transportation.

Insider Tip: The Waukegan Fire Department has a pension system that is considered very good for the state. While your take-home pay seems modest, the pension value is a major part of your total compensation. Don’t dismiss it. Also, the 24/48 schedule allows you to rent a room in your house on your off days, which is a common side-hustle here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Waukegan's Major Employers

Waukegan is the county seat, so the municipal fire department is the largest employer. However, the Lake County fire service is a network. Here’s where the jobs are:

1. Waukegan Fire Department (WFD): The main show. They run 7 stations and serve a population of nearly 90,000. They handle everything from medical assists to industrial fires at the local factories. Hiring is periodic and competitive. They often run a cadet program.
2. Lake County Fire Chiefs Association: This is the umbrella organization. Getting hired by a smaller, contracted department in unincorporated Lake County or a nearby village (like Millburn or Libertyville) often happens through this network. These are smaller departments with tighter budgets but excellent community ties.
3. Great Lakes Naval Station Fire & Emergency Services: Located just east of Waukegan, this is a federal civilian fire department. It’s a different beast—federal benefits, GS pay scale, and it’s a huge employer for firefighters in the region. They often hire from the local pool and look for veterans.
4. Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center: They employ Firefighter/EMT-Paramedics for their ambulance service. This is a great entry point if you’re new to the area and want to build your paramedic license before moving to a full fire suppression role.
5. Corporate & Industrial Campuses: Waukegan is a logistics hub. Companies like Walmart Distribution Center, McDonald’s Corporation (regional HQ), and Medline Industries have their own private fire brigades or contract with local agencies. This creates a niche market for firefighter/inspectors.
6. College of Lake County (CLC): They have a public safety training academy. While not a direct fire department employer, they are the primary source of training and certification. Many firefighters here are adjunct instructors at CLC, which supplements their income.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward paramedic proficiency. If you apply to WFD or Great Lakes, having your EMT-Paramedic license isn’t just a plus—it’s often a prerequisite. The 10-year job growth of 4% is modest, reflecting a mature, stable field. Jobs are created by retirements, not rapid expansion. The best way to break in is to get your paramedic cert, network at the Lake County Chiefs Association meetings, and start as an EMT on a private ambulance service in the area to get your foot in the door.

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Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a structured, state-mandated path to becoming a certified firefighter. It’s not cheap, and it’s time-consuming.

1. Firefighter I & II Certification:
This is your basic suppression training. You must attend a state-approved academy. The most common is the one at the College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake.

• Cost: ~$3,000 - $5,000 for tuition and gear (bunker gear is often provided, but you buy boots, helmet, etc.).
• Timeline: 6-8 months for part-time evening/weekend academy. A full-time day academy runs 4-5 months.
• Requirement: You must complete this before you can be hired as a full-time firefighter in Illinois (with some exceptions for "cadet" programs).

2. EMT-Basic & Paramedic Licenses:
Administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

• EMT-Basic: Required for all fire departments. CLC offers a 1-semester course. Cost: ~$1,200.
• Paramedic: A 12-18 month program. CLC’s program is highly regarded. Cost: $8,000-$12,000.
• Timeline: You can do EMT-Basic in 6 months, then work on an ambulance while you complete the 18-month paramedic program. This is the most common path.

3. Illinois State Fire Marshal (ISFM) Certification:
After completing your academy, you apply to the ISFM for your Firefighter I & II certification. The exam is practical and written. There’s a fee, but it’s minimal (under $200).

Insider Tip: The CLC is your best friend. Their academy is respected by every department in Lake County. If you graduate from CLC, you’re already a known quantity in the local hiring market. Many departments send their recruits there. Also, if you’re a veteran, look into the GI Bill; it can cover most of your academy and paramedic school costs.

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Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Waukegan is a city of distinct neighborhoods. For a firefighter with a 24/48 schedule, commute time (or lack thereof) is king. You don’t want a long drive after a 24-hour shift.

1. Downtown Waukegan (The Harbor):

   • Vibe: Urban renewal. Near the lakefront, Genesee Theatre, and restaurants. Walkable.
   • Commute to Stations: Excellent (5-15 mins). Most WFD stations are centrally located.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,350 for a 1BR in a newer loft-style building.
   • Best For: Young professionals, singles. Easy access to nightlife on your off days.

2. North Chicago (Adjacent, but distinct):

   • Vibe: More residential, historic, and a bit grittier. Home to the Great Lakes Naval Station.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to WFD stations. Home to the Great Lakes NAS F&ES department.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those targeting the Great Lakes NAS job (live close to work). Lower cost of living.

3. Beach Park (Unincorporated, South of Waukegan):

   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Mostly single-family homes.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to WFD stations. Employed by Lake County Fire Districts.
   • Rent Estimate: Hard to find 1BR apartments; more common to rent a room or a basement. ~$800-$1,000.
   • Best For: Those with a family or who want a quieter life. Lower rent if you can find a roommate situation.

4. Gurnee (North, via I-94):

   • Vibe: Commercial hub (Gurnee Mills). Upscale subdivisions.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to WFD stations. Home to Gurnee Fire Protection District.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want a more suburban, retail-heavy lifestyle. Slightly higher rent for more amenities.

5. Waukegan (Central, near Lake Forest College):

   • Vibe: Established, tree-lined streets, mix of homeowners and renters.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most stations.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: A balanced lifestyle. Good access to all of Lake County.

Insider Tip: If you’re hired by the Waukegan FD, you don’t have to live in Waukegan. Many live in Gurnee, Libertyville, or even North Chicago for the lower cost. But if you want the best commute, living in Downtown Waukegan or North Chicago is your smartest bet.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Waukegan, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about adding certifications and specialties that come with pay premiums.

• Specialty Premiums: The Waukegan Fire Department offers stipends for specialized skills. The most common are:

  • EMT-Paramedic: $1,500-$2,500/year premium. This is the single biggest booster.
  • Technical Rescue (TRT): $1,000-$1,800/year. Involves confined space, high-angle, and water rescue—critical for a lakefront city.
  • HazMat Technician: $800-$1,500/year. Lake County has a strong HazMat response team.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: $2,000+ premium, often a separate promotion track.

• Advancement Path: The path is linear: Firefighter → Driver/Operator → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion comes with a salary bump. The key is to get your paramedic cert early, as it’s often required for promotion to Lieutenant and above.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability, not expansion. Your career will be defined by longevity and specialization. The pension system vests after 20 years, so a 25-year-old hire can retire at 50 with a defined benefit. The real growth for the individual firefighter is in moving from a line firefighter to a specialist (Paramedic, TRT, Inspector) or into administration (Fire Marshal, Training Chief). The Lake County job market is mature; the best opportunities for advancement will be within your department or by moving to a neighboring district after gaining 5-7 years of experience.

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The Verdict: Is Waukegan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Municipal Job: WFD is a well-funded, unionized department in a stable county.	Pay is Average: $57,565 median is livable but not impressive, especially for a high-risk job.
Excellent Pension: Illinois Firefighter Pension is a major long-term financial asset.	High Cost of Living: 102.6 index means housing and car insurance eat into your budget.
Diverse Job Market: You can work for the city, county, federal (NAS), or private sector.	Competitive Hiring: You need Paramedic cert and often a spotless record to get hired full-time.
Lakefront Lifestyle: Access to Lake Michigan, parks, and Chicago via Metra for off days.	Industrial Base: Some neighborhoods are near factories, which can mean poor air quality and higher cancer risks.
24/48 Schedule: Predictable schedule, great for side hustles or family time.	Shift Work Toll: The schedule is physically and mentally draining long-term.

Final Recommendation:
Waukegan is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, a good pension, and a balanced cost of living. It’s not a place to chase the highest salary in the state, but it’s a place to build a solid, middle-class life. If you’re a veteran, your chances of getting hired here are even better. The path is clear: get your EMT/Paramedic license at CLC, network at the Lake County Chiefs Association, and prepare for a competitive but fair hiring process. If you can handle the 24/48 shift work and the industrial grit of some neighborhoods, the lakefront breeze and strong community make it a worthy home base.

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FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Waukegan to work for the Waukegan Fire Department?
A: No. While residency preferences were common years ago, most Illinois departments, including WFD, do not require you to live within city limits. You must, however, be able to respond to your station within a set time (usually 30-60 minutes) when on-call. Most firefighters live in the surrounding Lake County suburbs.

Q: How competitive is it to get hired by the Waukegan Fire Department?
A: Very competitive. A typical hiring cycle may see 200-300 applicants for 5-10 positions. The key differentiators are: 1) Illinois Firefighter I & II certification, 2) Illinois EMT-Paramedic license, 3) a clean background, and 4) a strong showing on the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test). Having prior military or fire service experience is a major plus.

Q: What’s the deal with the 24/48 schedule?
A: You work 24 hours straight, then have 48 hours off. You sleep at the station when on duty. It’s exhausting during your 24-hour shift (especially with multiple calls), but having 2 full days off is a huge perk for family, hobbies, or a second job.