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Firefighter Salary in McAllen, TX β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for McAllen's cost of living (index: 81). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in McAllen β€” Key Numbers

$49,143
Median Salary
$34,255
25th Percentile
$69,336
75th Percentile
$91,076
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-19.0%
McAllen median household income$44,000
vs. City household income+11.7%

Cost of Living in McAllen

Cost of Living Index
81(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$880/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.5%
Annual rent cost$10,560
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary3.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.8 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 McAllen

6.8%
Unemployment Rate
900,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
29.4
Median Age

McAllen has a metro population of 900,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in McAllen, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in McAllen is $49,143 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by McAllen's cost of living index (81). The typical salary range runs from $34,255 (25th percentile) to $69,336 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $91,076.

Is McAllen affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $49,143 annual salary, a Firefighter in McAllen would spend approximately 21.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($880/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making McAllen relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $185,000 is 3.8Γ— the annual salary.

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

McAllen's median household income is $44,000. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $49,143 earns 11.7% more than the typical McAllen household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.