Public Service San Antonio, TX Pop. 1,434,625

Firefighter Salary in San Antonio, Texas

The median firefighter salary in San Antonio, TX is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Texas state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-2,068
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in San Antonio: What to Expect (2026)

San Antonio offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $2,068 below the Texas state average of $47,546. Compared to the national median of $51,680, San Antonio pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of San Antonio's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes San Antonio an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in San Antonio spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. As a major metro area with a population of 1,434,625, San Antonio typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in San Antonio by Experience

In San Antonio, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Antonio, TX

Percentile San Antonio
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

Firefighter Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$54,264
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$51,680
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$49,613
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$47,546
Pop. 918,915

How to Become a Firefighter in San Antonio

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Antonio and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Antonio may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in San Antonio

Browse open firefighter positions in San Antonio, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in San Antonio

How much does a Firefighter make in San Antonio, TX? ▼
The median firefighter salary in San Antonio, Texas is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in San Antonio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in San Antonio earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Antonio compare to the Texas state average for firefighter pay? ▼
San Antonio's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 4.3% below the Texas state average of $47,546. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Antonio, TX? ▼
San Antonio has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in San Antonio has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in San Antonio? ▼
Most firefighter positions in San Antonio require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.