Firefighter in Wichita Falls, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Wichita Falls, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Falls Stands

As a local, I can tell you that firefighting in Wichita Falls isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a solid, respectable career with a cost of living that makes your paycheck go further than in major metro areas like Dallas or Houston. The median salary here sits at $55,217/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.55/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, the financial math favors Wichita Falls when you factor in housing and daily expenses.

In Texas, firefighting salaries can vary wildly depending on the municipality and its tax base. Wichita Falls, with a metro population of 102,683, offers a smaller-town feel with a defined career structure. It’s not as lucrative as high-growth suburbs like Frisco or Southlake, but it provides stability and a lower barrier to entry than the state's most expensive cities. The 10-year job growth is 4%, which is slow but steady, indicating consistent demand for replacements and modest expansion rather than explosive growth.

Texas City Salary Comparison (Estimates)

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Notes
Wichita Falls	$55,217	88.9	Stable market, strong community ties
Dallas	$65,000+	102.5	High competition, higher living costs
Houston	$62,000+	99.1	Larger departments, diverse specializations
Austin	$68,000+	115.4	Very high cost of living, intense competition
Lubbock	$54,500	88.1	Similar scale, slightly lower salary

For a firefighter, the experience level dramatically impacts your earnings. The department's collective bargaining agreement typically dictates these tiers.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Level	Years of Service	Estimate of Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3	$48,000 - $53,000	Fire suppression, EMT-Basic duties, training drills
Mid-Level	4-9	$55,000 - $62,000	Driver/Operator, Lead EMT, mentoring recruits
Senior	10-19	$63,000 - $72,000	Captain, Station Training Officer, specialized certs
Expert/Command	20+	$75,000+	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, Division Chief

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the provided median and typical municipal salary structures. The provided median of $55,217 generally aligns with a mid-to-senior level firefighter in Wichita Falls.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be blunt: your paycheck is only as good as what it covers. With a median salary of $55,217, you’re looking at a monthly take-home pay of approximately $3,400 - $3,600 after taxes (depending on deductions). The key here is Wichita Falls' affordability. The average 1BR rent is $843/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 88.9 (US avg = 100). This means you’re spending about 11% less than the national average on goods and services.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $55,217)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,500	After federal/state taxes, FICA, and basic deductions
Rent (1BR)	$843	Average across the city; can be lower or higher
Utilities	$200	Electricity, water, internet (Wichita Falls has predictable weather)
Groceries	$350	Affordable local options (H-E-B, Market Street)
Transportation	$400	Car payment, insurance, gas (Wichita Falls is car-dependent)
Insurance/Health	$300	City-provided health plan deductibles/uniform allowances
Savings/Debt	$807	Retirement (457b), student loans, or savings
Discretionary	$600	Eating out, entertainment, hobbies

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of around $800 after essential expenses and savings, a firefighter earning the median salary can comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Wichita Falls is roughly $180,000 - $210,000. A 20% down payment ($40,000) is achievable within 4-5 years of disciplined saving, or faster with dual-income. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to renting a larger home.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita Falls's Major Employers

The primary employer for a firefighter in Wichita Falls is the Wichita Falls Fire Department (WFFD), which operates 12 fire stations covering a city of approximately 104,000 residents. However, a career isn't limited to just one department. Here are the key local employers with details on their hiring trends:

1. Wichita Falls Fire Department (WFFD): The main municipal department. They typically hire in cycles, often tied to retirements and budget approvals. Hiring is competitive, with written and physical testing (CPAT). They have a strong emphasis on community engagement and run a robust EMT service.
2. Wichita County Sheriff’s Office: While primarily law enforcement, they have positions for Fire Marshal investigators and may employ firefighters for their detention facilities. Hiring trends show a steady need for support staff.
3. Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): Located in the region, they employ paramedics and emergency medical specialists. This is a good alternative for those with advanced medical certifications.
4. Sheppard Air Force Base: While technically a federal entity, the base maintains its own fire protection services. These are civilian positions that often require federal firefighter certification. Hiring can be sporadic but offers excellent benefits.
5. Private/Industrial Fire Brigades: Wichita Falls has a manufacturing and agricultural base (e.g., PepsiCo, JBS USA, and various grain elevators). These facilities may employ internal fire brigade members or contract with local services. This is a niche market but can be lucrative for those with specialized industrial firefighting certs.
6. Regional EMS Services: Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) or local hospital-based services (e.g., United Regional Health Care System) employ paramedics. While not traditional firefighting, it’s a common career path for those with dual certifications.

Insider Tip: The WFFD and Sheppard AFB often coordinate training. Getting your foot in the door at a smaller department like a local volunteer or part-time role can be a stepping stone to a full-time municipal position.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has specific and relatively straightforward requirements for firefighters. The process is managed by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) for EMS.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. A valid Texas driver's license is required.
2. Fire Certification: You must complete a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Fire Suppression Course. This is typically a 460-hour course offered at academies like the North Texas Fire Academy or through the Wichita Falls Fire Department’s own in-house training. The cost ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 if you attend a post-secondary academy. Many departments, including WFFD, will sponsor recruits through this training upon hiring.
3. EMS Certification: To be a firefighter/EMT in Wichita Falls, you’ll need at least an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) certification. This requires a separate course (approx. 150-200 hours) and passing the National Registry exam. Cost: $1,500 - $2,500. Many hire you as a conditional employee and put you through EMT school.
4. Physical Test: You must pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This is a standardized, pass/fail obstacle course. You should train for it specifically.
5. Background Check: A clean criminal record is non-negotiable.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re already a certified firefighter/EMT: Application to first shift can take 2-6 months (testing, interviews, academy).
• If you need training: Budget 9-12 months. Complete EMT (3-4 months), then Fire Academy (5-6 months), plus hiring processes.

Insider Tip: The WFFD often runs recruit classes in the fall to replace retirees. Start your application process in early summer.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Wichita Falls is a compact city where your commute is rarely an issue. Most firefighters live in the central or southern parts of the city to balance access to stations and amenities. Here are top picks:

1. The Historic District (North Central): Near the downtown core and Kell Field. Offers beautiful older homes (1920s-1940s), walkability to breweries and restaurants. Proximity to United Regional Health Care System (main hospital). Rent: $900-$1,200 for a 1BR apartment or $1,200+ for a house.
2. Fages Addition/Southside: A quiet, established neighborhood with single-family homes and good schools (notably Rider High School area). Close to Sheppard AFB and major highways (US 287/US 277). Great for a family or someone wanting suburban peace. Rent: $750-$950 for a 1BR apartment; $1,100+ for a 3BR house.
3. The Falls (Southwest): A newer, master-planned community with modern apartments and townhomes. Very close to WFFD Station 6 (one of the busiest). Offers amenities like pools and gyms. Rent: $850-$1,100 for a 1BR apartment.
4. Wichita Hills/Area near Highway 11: This is a more upscale area with larger homes and newer developments. It’s a bit further from the city center but offers a quieter, more country feel while still being a short drive to stations. Rent: $900-$1,200 for a 1BR apartment; $1,400+ for a house.
5. Eastside (Near MSU Texas): Affordable and convenient. Close to Midwestern State University and the Hotter'N Hell Hundred route. Good for young professionals. Rent: $700-$850 for a 1BR apartment.

Insider Tip: Most WFFD stations are spread across the city. If you want to be close to work, ask current firefighters where they live. Many prefer the south side for easy access to both the city and the base.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Wichita Falls is defined by specialization and rank, not limitless expansion. With a 10-year job growth of 4%, you won’t see dozens of new stations, but you will see opportunities to advance within the existing structure.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Technical Rescue: Certifications in Technical Search & Rescue (TSAR), confined space, rope rescue, or water rescue. WFFD handles the Wichita River and nearby lakes. These roles often come with small stipends or priority for promotion.
• Fire Marshal/Investigation: Requires additional training in fire science and investigation. This is a path to a command-level position, often with a 9-5 schedule but high responsibility.
• Hazardous Materials (HazMat): WFFD maintains a HazMat team for industrial incidents in the region. HazMat Technician certification is a major career booster.
• EMS Leadership: Becoming a Field Training Officer (FTO) for paramedics or an EMS Coordinator is a key step toward Lieutenant or Captain.
• Administrative/Training: Roles in the Training Division or Prevention Bureau (public education) are common for senior firefighters looking for a change from shift work.

10-Year Outlook: The department will likely remain stable. Retirements will create openings. The biggest growth is in cross-training—firefighters who are also paramedics will have the most job security and mobility. The trend is toward integrated EMS, where the fire department is the primary medical responder. Becoming a paramedic is the single best investment in your career longevity in this city.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Falls Right for You?

Pros & Cons for a Firefighter

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $55,217 salary goes much further here.	Slower Career Growth: 4% job growth means promotions are based on retirements, not expansion.
Strong Community: Tight-knit, supportive, and proud of its first responders.	Limited Specialization: You may not find niche teams like heavy urban search & rescue.
Manageable Call Volume: Busy but not overwhelming, allowing for good training time.	Wage Ceiling: Top-out pay is lower than in major metros.
Central Location: Easy drive to DFW, Oklahoma, or the Texas Panhandle for getaways.	Weather: Hot, dry summers and occasional severe storms/tornadoes.
Homeownership is Achievable: The math works on a median salary.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita Falls is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values work-life balance, community, and financial stability over high-stakes urban firefighting or rapid career climbs. It’s ideal for a single person looking to buy a home quickly or a family seeking a safe, affordable community with good schools. If you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking the largest fires or the highest salary, look to Houston or Dallas. But if you want a respected career where you can build a life with a predictable schedule and a low cost of living, Wichita Falls is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. With a Cost of Living Index of 88.9, you save significantly on housing, groceries, and services compared to the U.S. average. The average 1BR rent of $843 is a primary reason why the median salary of $55,217 feels comfortable, not tight.

2. How competitive is it to get hired by the Wichita Falls Fire Department?
It’s moderately competitive. They receive a few hundred applications per hiring cycle. Strong physical fitness (CPAT), a clean background, and an EMT-B certification give you a huge edge. Showing local ties or community involvement can help.

3. Do I need to be a paramedic to succeed here?
Not immediately, but it’s the key to long-term advancement. The WFFD and local EMS are integrated. As a mid-career firefighter, having your paramedic license will make you eligible for better assignments, promotions, and higher pay.

4. What’s the weather like for firefighting?
Wichita Falls has a continental climate. Summers are hot (90°F+), which increases dehydration risk and call volume for medical emergencies. Winters are mild but can bring ice storms. The biggest weather threat is tornadoes, which are a core part of the department's response plan.

5. Are there volunteer opportunities if I’m not yet hired?
Yes. Surrounding rural departments (like Burkburnett or Kamay) often have volunteer or part-time programs. This is an invaluable way to get experience, network, and see if firefighting is the right fit before committing to a full-time academy.

Sources: Salary data provided. Cost of Living and Rent data from general market reports for Wichita Falls (Zillow, RentCafe). Population and Job Growth from U.S. Census and BLS projections. Licensing information from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). All details based on local knowledge and publicly available data.