ABOUT THE DATA

The Chronicle used the base salary for a firefighter in their first year after that firefighter had completed their required probation period as the basis for the calculations in this piece (or, in other words, the first pay bump post probation period).

Different cities have different probation periods. In San Antonio, firefighters complete a 12-month probation period. Their salary is $57,576 for the duration of that probation period as well as for six months after that probation period. The salary then increases at the 18-month mark and remains the same until the 60-month period. The Chronicle elected to use the $57,576 figure because that more accurately reflects a firefighter in their first year than the next pay bump, which also includes firefighters with a few years of experience.

In Fort Worth, firefighters make $65,784 at the start of their probation period, which lasts for roughly 10 months through the rest of the year. They then make $69,033 at one year from commission. The Chronicle used the $69,033 figure to capture the pay bump that a new firefighter can expect to make after the probation period.

In Austin, firefighters are paid $59,768 for the six months of their probationary period. They then make $64,954 for the next year. The $64,954 figure is the most accurate representation of what a firefighter earns in their first year post probation.

In Houston, firefighters are on probation for 12 months. After completing their probation period, they make $51,843, which is the figure the Chronicle used to represent a firefighter in their first year

In Dallas, firefighters complete an “evaluation period” for six months. They then become a fire-rescue officer and make $70,314 per year. That is the figure the Chronicle used to represent a firefighter in their first year.