Career and Salary Summary for Firefighter in Texas

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The job description for a firefighter can vary slightly depending on the specific location and department, but here is a general outline of what the job description of a firefighter in Texas might include:

Job Title

• Firefighter

Department

• Fire & Rescue Services

Location

• Various Fire Stations within the jurisdiction

Reports To

• Fire Captain / Fire Lieutenant

Position Summary

• Respond to fire emergencies, medical incidents, and other rescue situations to protect life, property, and the environment. Work under the direction of a Fire Captain or Fire Lieutenant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Emergency Response
• Respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and other emergency and non-emergency situations.

Fire Suppression

• Operate various types of fire equipment and tools to suppress fires, including hoses, extinguishers, and fire suppression agents.

Medical Assistance

• Provide basic and/or advanced life support, depending on certification, and assist paramedics in the delivery of medical care.

Equipment Operation

• Safely operate fire vehicles and other apparatus during emergency operations.

Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance on fire vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure operational readiness.

Inspection

• Participate in regular inspections of properties for fire hazards and enforce fire codes.

Training

• Participate in ongoing training and education programs to maintain and enhance skills and certifications.

Public Education

• Engage in community outreach and education initiatives, including fire safety talks and demonstrations.

Administrative Duties

• Complete incident reports, participate in department meetings, and perform other administrative duties as assigned.

Teamwork

• Work closely with other emergency service personnel, including police and EMS, to provide coordinated and effective emergency response.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification or equivalent.
• EMT or Paramedic certification is a plus.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Physical and medical fitness suitable for the demands of the job.
• Skills and Abilities
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Physical stamina and agility.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
• Must be able to lift heavy equipment and tools.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Work involves risks or discomforts requiring special safety precautions.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary and benefits vary depending on location and experience.
• Additional benefits may include retirement plans, health insurance, and paid leave.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be modified as needed to suit the specific requirements of individual fire departments.

To become a firefighter in Texas, you have to complete the following steps:

To become a firefighter in Texas, you have to follow the guidelines laid out by The Texas Commission on Fire Protection. The minimum age requirement to join the field of firefighting in Texas is 18 years. In order to become a firefighter in Texas you will have to meet other requirements as well so, it is important that you go through the entire process beforehand.

• Meet the minimum and maximum age requirement
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Be certified as EMT-B (or higher) by the State of Texas or enrolled in a qualifying course
• Be willing to graduate from a firefighter training academy, or
• Be certified/certifiable by The Texas Commission on Fire Protection
• Be able to pass a background check
• Have no felony convictions and no recent misdemeanors
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have a clean driving record

These are some of the minimum qualifications for you to meet if you want to work as a firefighter in the state of Texas. In addition to these your city’s fire department may have its own requirements such as passing the entrance exam, etc.

However, there is one requirement which is mandatory across all fire departments in the state of Texas and that is getting certified as a firefighter with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). This is mandatory especially if you want to work as a paid firefighter in Texas.

You can earn this certification by fulfilling the following 6-steps:

• Finish a basic fire fighter training program
• Exhibit that you can perform basic firefighting skills
• Pass the state certification test
• Complete your emergency medical responder training
• Pass a criminal history background check and get fingerprinted
• Apply for the certification

To earn TCFP Basic Fire Suppression Certification, it will take you months, if not years. This is in addition to spending time on fulfilling the minimum and specific qualifications to become a firefighter in your city. In short, the time it will take you to become a firefighter in Texas may be as little as a few months to 5 years, going up to 7 years.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage of firefighters in Texas (as reported in May 2022) was $53,630. Below is a list of the highest paying US states for firefighters:

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

According to BLS (2022), the state of Texas is the second biggest employer of firefighters in the US. There were 25,080 firefighters in the state in May 2022. Here is a list of the US states with the highest employment level for firefighters in 2022.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Firefighting careers in Texas offer a variety of opportunities for individuals interested in public service, emergency response, and community involvement. Here is an overview of what to expect when pursuing a firefighting career in Texas:

Types of Firefighting Careers

• Municipal Firefighter: These firefighters work in cities and towns and are usually full-time employees. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents within their jurisdiction.
• Wildland Firefighter: Texas, being a state with varied terrains including forests and grasslands, has a need for wildland firefighters who combat forest fires and brush fires.
• Industrial Firefighter: Some large industrial complexes, especially in the oil and gas sector, employ their own firefighters.
• Airport Firefighter: Airports require specialized firefighters trained to deal with aircraft fires and other aviation-related emergencies.
• Fire Investigator: These professionals investigate the cause of fires and may work for fire departments, insurance companies, or independent agencies.
• Fire Instructor/Trainer: Experienced firefighters may move into roles where they train new recruits or provide ongoing education for active firefighters.

Requirements

• Education: At minimum, a high school diploma or GED is usually required.
• Certifications: You’ll need to be certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and possibly hold an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.
• Physical Fitness: A stringent physical test is usually a part of the selection process.
• Background Check: A thorough background check, including criminal history, is standard.
• Driving Record: A valid Texas Driver’s License with a clean driving record is generally required.

Training

• Fire Academy: Training at a certified Fire Academy is a critical step and covers firefighting basics, emergency medical procedures, and more.
• Probation: New hires usually go through a probationary period where they work under close supervision.
• Continued Education: Firefighters are expected to continue their education and training throughout their careers, including specialized areas like hazardous materials handling or high-angle rescue.

Job Prospects

• Demand: Texas has many large cities like Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, as well as numerous smaller towns and rural areas, each with their own firefighting needs.
• Salary: The salary can vary widely depending on the location, size of the department, and level of experience.
• Advancement: Opportunities for promotion usually exist, with roles like Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, and Fire Chief as possible career advancements.
• Benefits: Retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits are usually part of the compensation package.

Challenges

• Physical and Emotional Stress: The job is physically demanding and can be emotionally stressful.
• Work Schedule: Firefighters often work long shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Risk: Despite advances in technology and equipment, firefighting remains a hazardous occupation.
• Public Scrutiny: As public servants, firefighters’ actions are often under scrutiny, requiring a high level of professionalism at all times.

If you’re interested in a firefighting career in Texas, it’s advisable to start by contacting local fire departments or educational institutions that offer fire science programs to get information about specific requirements and opportunities in your area.

Texas offers a variety of firefighter colleges, academies, and training programs to prepare individuals for a career in firefighting. These programs are often certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and may also offer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic training, which is a beneficial credential for aspiring firefighters. Here are some examples of places where you can receive firefighter training in Texas:

Community Colleges

• Tarrant County College (Fort Worth) – Offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Fire Protection Technology and other fire service certifications.
• Houston Community College (Houston) – Provides various Fire Science Technology programs, including an AAS degree and certificates.
• Collin College (McKinney) – Offers Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services programs, including basic fire suppression and fire officer training.
• San Antonio College (San Antonio) – Offers an AAS in Fire Science Technology, as well as certificates.
• Austin Community College (Austin) – Offers a Fire Protection Technology program with an option to specialize in Fire and Arson Investigation.

Universities

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) – Located in College Station, this is one of the most recognized fire training programs in the nation.
• University of Texas at Arlington – Offers a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration.

Fire Academies

• Dallas Fire-Rescue Training Academy (Dallas) – Provides training specifically tailored to the Dallas Fire Department but is indicative of the type of training found in city-based academies.
• Austin Fire Department Training Academy (Austin) – Similar to Dallas, Austin has its own fire academy to train recruits for their specific environment and protocols.
• San Antonio Fire Training Academy (San Antonio) – Provides in-depth training for fire suppression, emergency medical service, and specialized rescue tactics.

Specialized Training Centers

• Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Brayton Fire Training Field (College Station) – One of the largest live-fueled fire training facilities in the world.
• Texas Fire Academy (San Marcos) – Offers basic and advanced training courses for firefighting and emergency medical services.

Enrollment and Curriculum

Programs typically include coursework in:

• Fire suppression techniques
• Hazardous materials handling
• Emergency medical procedures
• Fire prevention and safety
• Fire code enforcement

Practical training is also an essential part of the curriculum, often with live-fire exercises and emergency medical scenarios.

Before enrolling in any program, it’s advisable to verify its accreditation and check whether it meets the standards set by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). You should also determine whether the program provides job placement assistance and what percentage of graduates successfully obtain firefighting jobs.

Texas has a wide variety of fire departments, ranging from small volunteer outfits serving rural communities to large, professional organizations serving major cities. Here are some types and examples of fire departments in Texas:

Large City Fire Departments

These departments serve major cities in Texas and are typically well-funded and well-staffed, offering a wide range of services.

• Houston Fire Department – One of the largest fire departments in the United States, serving the city of Houston.
• Dallas Fire-Rescue Department – Provides comprehensive firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services in the city of Dallas.
• San Antonio Fire Department – Covers the city of San Antonio, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, and other specialized services.
• Austin Fire Department – Serves the capital city of Texas, Austin, with an array of services from fire suppression to public education.

Suburban and Smaller City Departments

These departments serve suburban communities or smaller cities and may offer a combination of professional and volunteer opportunities.

• Plano Fire-Rescue – Serves the city of Plano, providing a variety of emergency services.
• Fort Worth Fire Department – Provides emergency services to the Fort Worth area.
• Arlington Fire Department – Serves the Arlington community with services ranging from fire suppression to community outreach programs.

Specialized Fire Departments

Some departments serve specific needs and areas, such as airports or industrial complexes.

• DFW Airport Fire Services – Serves Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
• Port of Houston Fire Department – Specializes in handling fires and other emergencies at one of the busiest ports in America.

Volunteer and Combination Departments

Many rural communities and smaller towns in Texas rely on volunteer firefighters. Some departments are “combination” departments, with both career and volunteer firefighters.

• Gruene Volunteer Fire Department – Serves the Gruene community as a volunteer organization.
• Boerne Fire Department – A combination department serving the city of Boerne, Texas.
• Wildland Firefighting

In addition to municipal fire departments, Texas also has organizations dedicated to fighting wildfires.

• Texas A&M Forest Service – Involved in fighting and preventing wildfires across the state.
• Texas Wildfire Relief Fund – Provides assistance to volunteer firefighters fighting wildfires.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities vary by department, but most large city departments offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Qualification requirements also differ, though most require at least a high school diploma or GED, TCFP certification, and often some level of EMT or Paramedic certification.

Whether you’re interested in volunteering in a rural community or pursuing a career in a large urban area, Texas has a wide range of options to consider.

Please note that this information is subject to change, and it’s advisable to visit the official websites of these departments or contact them directly for the most current information.

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