Compare firefighter compensation across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
Understanding police compensation can be complex. This guide breaks down the key factors and variations you'll encounter when comparing department salaries across Texas.
Step Structures & Service Time
Salary progression varies significantly between departments:
No published structures:
Some departments don't publicly share their step schedules
No step increases:
Others rely on COL adjustments, market-based raises, or merit increases instead
Non-standard timing:
Steps may not align with years of service
It's often unclear whether steps correspond directly with years (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 2) or follow different structures.
Shift Schedules & Pay
Fire departments often use different shift schedules that affect compensation:
24/48 Schedule:
Most common - 24 hours on, 48 hours off
48/96 Schedule:
Some use 48 hours on, 96 hours off
Kelly Days:
Additional days off to avoid overtime
When comparing salaries, consider the actual hours worked per year, as longer shifts may result in different total annual hours.
Lump Sum Payments
A few departments provide lump-sum bonuses when firefighters reach top-out. These are listed in tables but may not be guaranteed.
EXAMPLES
Frisco FD:
Potential 4% lump sum ($105,047.00) based on performance and annual budget
Allen FD:
4% merit lump sum ($105,335.79)
Total Departments
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Average Entry Salary
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Average 20-Year Salary
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Select 2-10 departments to compare
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Notes & Citations
1Lump Sum at top out. Lump sums may be based on performance or other factors.
2Highland Park DPS - Police or Fire certified personnel - Pay for Triple Certified (Police, Fire, and EMS) is higher than listed.
Department Comparison
Salary Visualizations
Top 10 Departments by Entry Salary
Top 10 Departments by 20-Year Salary
Salary Progression Comparison (Top 5)
π Top 5 Entry Salaries
π° Top 5 Twenty-Year Salaries
π Highest Salary Growth
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Entry Salary Range
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20-Year Salary Range
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Entry Salary Heat Map
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