Firefighting is one of the most respected and challenging careers, requiring courage, physical endurance, and technical expertise. In Texas, firefighters play a vital role in safeguarding lives and property, responding to emergencies ranging from structural fires to natural disasters. With the growing population and rapid urban development in Texas, the demand for highly skilled firefighters has continued to increase, leading to competitive salaries across the state.
This article explores the top 20 firefighter salaries in Texas for 2025, providing detailed insights into pay scales, job descriptions, and locations offering the most rewarding compensation packages. Whether you are an aspiring firefighter, a professional seeking better opportunities, or simply interested in salary trends, this guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of where firefighters earn the most.
We will cover average annual salaries, career growth prospects, and additional benefits offered by leading Texas cities and fire departments. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the best-paying firefighter positions in Texas and what makes these locations stand out.
Firefighter Salaries in Texas (2025)
1. Houston Fire Department (Houston, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $72,500
Overview: As the largest fire department in Texas, the Houston Fire Department (HFD) offers one of the highest firefighter salaries in the state. With its large urban setting and diverse emergency response needs, firefighters in Houston handle structural fires, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies on a large scale.
Key Benefits: Competitive health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime opportunities.
Location Advantage: Houston’s population density ensures steady demand, translating to higher pay and better career growth.
2. Dallas Fire-Rescue Department (Dallas, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $71,800
Overview: Dallas Fire-Rescue is among the most respected departments in Texas, providing firefighters with extensive training and specialized response roles. With a focus on fire suppression, rescue operations, and disaster management, firefighters here enjoy diverse work experiences.
Key Benefits: Paid vacation, health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and promotional opportunities.
Location Advantage: Dallas’ thriving economy and well-funded emergency services make it one of the most lucrative cities for firefighters.
3. Austin Fire Department (Austin, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $70,900
Overview: Serving the state capital, the Austin Fire Department (AFD) combines advanced firefighting technology with comprehensive training programs. Austin’s rapid population growth has increased emergency response demands, offering firefighters steady work and competitive pay.
Key Benefits: Robust retirement plans, medical coverage, and career development opportunities.
Location Advantage: Austin’s growing infrastructure and focus on firefighter safety contribute to attractive compensation packages.
4. San Antonio Fire Department (San Antonio, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $69,400
Overview: The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) provides services ranging from fire suppression to EMS, technical rescues, and hazardous materials response. As one of the largest departments in Texas, SAFD prioritizes firefighter well-being and safety.
Key Benefits: Pension plans, paid sick leave, and comprehensive insurance options.
Location Advantage: With a balance of urban and suburban responsibilities, firefighters in San Antonio gain exposure to diverse emergency scenarios.
5. Fort Worth Fire Department (Fort Worth, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $68,600
Overview: Fort Worth offers firefighters an exceptional compensation package while allowing them to work in a department recognized for its advanced training and community engagement. The department handles a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial emergencies.
Key Benefits: Retirement benefits, educational incentives, and overtime pay.
Location Advantage: Fort Worth’s strong economic growth has resulted in increased investment in public safety, benefitting firefighters directly.
6. Arlington Fire Department (Arlington, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $67,900
Overview: Arlington’s Fire Department is known for rapid emergency response times and its strong commitment to firefighter safety. The city’s growing population and sports-related events create unique emergency situations requiring specialized expertise.
Key Benefits: Paid training, excellent retirement plans, and comprehensive health coverage.
Location Advantage: Arlington’s proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth ensures access to advanced facilities and higher pay scales.
7. Plano Fire-Rescue (Plano, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $67,300
Overview: Plano offers competitive salaries and strong benefits to its firefighters while maintaining one of the lowest response times in the state. The department emphasizes community involvement and uses cutting-edge equipment to ensure safety and efficiency.
Key Benefits: Retirement plans, health coverage, and structured promotional pathways.
Location Advantage: Plano’s reputation as a thriving business hub results in consistent funding for public safety initiatives.
8. Irving Fire Department (Irving, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $66,500
Overview: Irving’s Fire Department combines excellent pay with comprehensive training programs to prepare firefighters for complex emergencies. The city’s mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones provides diverse response experiences.
Key Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, along with generous paid leave.
Location Advantage: Irving’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex allows access to collaborative regional resources and advancement opportunities.
9. Garland Fire Department (Garland, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $65,800
Overview: Garland firefighters manage a variety of emergency responses, including structural fires, medical calls, and hazardous materials incidents. The department invests heavily in firefighter training, ensuring its personnel are well-equipped for any scenario.
Key Benefits: Competitive retirement contributions, healthcare benefits, and overtime opportunities.
Location Advantage: Garland’s suburban setting provides a balance between high call volume and manageable workloads, making it an attractive choice for many firefighters.
10. Frisco Fire Department (Frisco, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $65,200
Overview: Frisco’s rapid population and business growth have driven the demand for well-trained firefighters. The department emphasizes professional development and safety, offering one of the region’s most modern facilities and resources.
Key Benefits: Paid continuing education, robust retirement packages, and flexible scheduling.
Location Advantage: Frisco’s upscale residential areas and commercial hubs contribute to consistent funding for emergency services.
11. Lubbock Fire Rescue (Lubbock, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $64,600
Overview: Lubbock Fire Rescue is dedicated to delivering exceptional emergency response services across the city. Firefighters here deal with a combination of urban, suburban, and rural emergencies, gaining diverse operational experience.
Key Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, retirement contributions, and comprehensive health insurance.
Location Advantage: Lubbock’s strong community support for public safety ensures firefighters have access to advanced training and modern equipment.
12. Laredo Fire Department (Laredo, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $63,800
Overview: Located near the U.S.–Mexico border, Laredo’s Fire Department handles a unique blend of emergencies, including large-scale industrial incidents and international response coordination. Firefighters benefit from competitive pay and a strong focus on safety.
Key Benefits: Excellent pension systems, hazard pay, and health benefits.
Location Advantage: The city’s strategic location and cross-border activity create a high demand for skilled emergency responders.
13. Corpus Christi Fire Department (Corpus Christi, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $63,200
Overview: Corpus Christi’s firefighters face diverse emergency situations, including marine rescues, industrial fires, and severe weather responses. The department provides extensive training and modern equipment to ensure firefighter safety and efficiency.
Key Benefits: Paid vacation, robust retirement options, and health coverage.
Location Advantage: Corpus Christi’s coastal setting presents unique challenges, offering firefighters opportunities to specialize in marine and hurricane-related emergencies.
14. Amarillo Fire Department (Amarillo, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $62,700
Overview: The Amarillo Fire Department prioritizes firefighter development through continuous training and updated safety protocols. With a strong focus on teamwork, firefighters here gain hands-on experience across various emergency scenarios.
Key Benefits: Overtime pay, retirement packages, and wellness programs.
Location Advantage: Amarillo’s mix of residential and industrial zones ensures steady demand for skilled firefighting professionals.
15. Midland Fire Department (Midland, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $62,100
Overview: Midland’s booming energy industry contributes to frequent industrial emergencies, requiring firefighters with specialized training. The department provides competitive salaries and advanced resources to handle complex situations effectively.
Key Benefits: Hazard pay, comprehensive health benefits, and training stipends.
Location Advantage: Midland’s thriving economy allows for strong investment in firefighter recruitment and retention.
16. El Paso Fire Department (El Paso, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $61,800
Overview: The El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) is known for its extensive training programs and commitment to firefighter development. Firefighters handle a variety of emergencies, including residential fires, hazardous materials, and cross-border incidents due to the city’s proximity to Mexico.
Key Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare, educational incentives, and excellent retirement plans.
Location Advantage: El Paso’s diverse community and geographical positioning offer firefighters a unique working environment with varied emergency response situations.
17. McKinney Fire Department (McKinney, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $61,300
Overview: McKinney’s Fire Department is one of the fastest-growing in Texas, reflecting the city’s rapid development. Firefighters benefit from high-quality training, modern equipment, and exposure to a variety of emergency scenarios, including residential, commercial, and medical responses.
Key Benefits: Paid certifications, health insurance, and structured promotional opportunities.
Location Advantage: McKinney’s strong economic growth has resulted in consistent funding for public safety, giving firefighters access to competitive salaries and benefits.
18. Round Rock Fire Department (Round Rock, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $60,700
Overview: Round Rock is home to one of the most efficient fire departments in Central Texas, offering competitive salaries and exceptional training. Firefighters respond to a mix of suburban and commercial emergencies, making it an excellent place to develop specialized skills.
Key Benefits: Continuing education support, retirement plans, and health coverage.
Location Advantage: Located near Austin, Round Rock provides firefighters with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive community focused on public safety.
19. Sugar Land Fire Department (Sugar Land, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $60,200
Overview: Sugar Land’s Fire Department offers a dynamic work environment, responding to emergencies in residential, industrial, and commercial sectors. Known for its strong investment in public safety, Sugar Land prioritizes firefighter well-being and provides cutting-edge resources for emergency response.
Key Benefits: Hazard pay, pension programs, and advanced health insurance packages.
Location Advantage: Sugar Land’s thriving economy ensures continuous support and funding for firefighting personnel.
20. College Station Fire Department (College Station, TX)
Average Annual Salary: $59,800
Overview: Serving a city with a large student population, the College Station Fire Department deals with a unique blend of emergencies, including residential fires, campus incidents, and medical responses. Firefighters here enjoy competitive pay, steady training, and community-driven programs.
Key Benefits: Flexible scheduling, tuition assistance, and comprehensive retirement options.
Location Advantage: College Station’s growing infrastructure and educational focus provide firefighters with opportunities for continuous skill development.
Factors Affecting Firefighter Salaries in Texas
Several factors influence firefighter salaries across Texas, including:
- City Funding & Budget Allocation: Larger cities like Houston and Dallas allocate more funds to emergency services, leading to higher pay scales.
- Population Density: Areas with higher populations typically experience greater call volumes, resulting in better compensation.
- Specialized Training: Firefighters trained in hazardous materials, technical rescues, or paramedicine often earn additional stipends.
- Cost of Living: Salaries are generally higher in metropolitan areas to offset increased living expenses.
- Experience & Rank: Higher-ranking positions such as fire engineers, captains, and chiefs earn significantly more than entry-level firefighters.
Average Firefighter Salary in Texas
On average, firefighters in Texas earn approximately $61,500 per year as of 2025. However, salaries vary greatly based on location, department size, and specialization. Entry-level firefighters may start around $45,000 annually, while experienced professionals and supervisory roles can exceed $90,000 per year.
In addition to base salaries, firefighters often receive:
- Overtime pay
- Hazard pay
- Pension plans
- Paid training and certifications
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition assistance for continuing education
Career Outlook for Firefighters in Texas
The demand for firefighters in Texas continues to grow due to rapid urban development and increasing populations. According to employment projections, Texas is expected to see a steady rise in firefighter job opportunities over the next decade, especially in metropolitan areas like Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
Firefighters with specialized certifications, such as paramedic training, hazardous material handling, or technical rescue expertise, will have better career prospects and higher earning potential. Additionally, many departments invest in ongoing training, ensuring firefighters remain well-prepared to handle evolving challenges.
Final Thoughts
Texas offers a wide range of opportunities for firefighters, with salaries varying significantly depending on location, experience, and specialization. The top-paying cities such as Houston, Dallas, and Austin lead the state in compensation, while smaller cities like Sugar Land and College Station still provide competitive packages with excellent benefits.
For those considering a career in firefighting, Texas remains one of the most rewarding states both financially and professionally. With robust training programs, advancement opportunities, and strong community support, firefighters in Texas enjoy not only competitive salaries but also the satisfaction of serving and protecting their communities.