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Firefighter Salary in Austin, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Austin's cost of living (index: 121). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Austin β€” Key Numbers

$73,411
Median Salary
$51,171
25th Percentile
$103,576
75th Percentile
$136,052
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median+21.0%
Austin median household income$83,800
vs. City household income-12.4%

Cost of Living in Austin

Cost of Living Index
121(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.3%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$500,000
Home Price / Salary6.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$100,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Austin

3.1%
Unemployment Rate
2,300,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
34
Median Age

Austin has a metro population of 2,300,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.1% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Austin, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Austin is $73,411 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Austin's cost of living index (121). The typical salary range runs from $51,171 (25th percentile) to $103,576 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $136,052.

Is Austin affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $73,411 annual salary, a Firefighter in Austin would spend approximately 21.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Austin relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $500,000 is 6.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Firefighter's salary compare to Austin's overall income?

Austin's median household income is $83,800. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $73,411 earns 12.4% less than the typical Austin household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Austin has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.