Fire Department · Career
Houston Fire Department
Houston, TX · Harris County
“"Courage, Commitment and Compassion"”
Largest fire department in the world
Houston Fire Department is hiring Certified Fire Fighter Trainees and EMTs with continuous application acceptance. Salary: $36,114–$56,862 annually. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.
Houston Fire Department hiring Trainee Firefighter/EMT with annual salary of $36,114. Deadline: June 2, 2027. Veterans receive preference points.
Former Houston Fire Department Classified members can reapply for firefighter positions with a salary of $57,027–$80,214 annually. Applications are accepted continuously.
Founded in 1838 as the volunteer Protection Company No. 1 and professionalized as a paid department in 1895, the Houston Fire Department (HFD) has grown into one of the nation's flagship metropolitan fire services. It bills itself as the world's largest accredited municipal fire agency.
HFD operates 94 fire stations staffed by more than 4,000 firefighters, paramedics, and investigators. The department serves roughly 2.3 million residents across a 654-square-mile service area and responds to a call roughly every 78 seconds, answering more than 400,000 incidents a year.
About 80 percent of HFD's calls are medical, and the department fields a large EMS fleet of over 100 transport units alongside specialized rescue capabilities. It is distinguished by holding both an ISO Class 1 rating and Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation.
HFD hires firefighter cadets through a Civil Service process. Candidates complete an official online application at governmentjobs.com/careers/houston (searching the keyword "fire") and must meet the minimum qualifications before advancing. The Civil Service Exam (CSE) and Physical Abilities Test (PAT) are administered by invitation only on a first-come, first-served basis.
Selected cadets attend an academy of approximately 7-9 months that combines fire school with EMT training and daily physical conditioning (running, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, climbing, and carrying equipment). The department also runs an HFD Rehire program for returning members. Hiring questions go to the recruiting office at 832-394-6600 or hfdhiringprocess@houstontx.gov.
Hiring process
- Complete an official online application at governmentjobs.com/careers/houston (keyword: fire) and meet the minimum qualifications
- Civil Service Exam (CSE) — by invitation only, first come first serve
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT) — by invitation only, first come first serve
- Attend the fire academy (approximately 7-9 months of fire school, EMT training, and physical conditioning)
Approximately 7-9 months, combining fire school and EMT training with daily physical ability training (running, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, climbing, and carrying equipment).
How do I apply to become a Houston firefighter?
Complete an official online application at governmentjobs.com/careers/houston (search the keyword "fire") and meet the minimum qualifications. The Civil Service Exam and Physical Abilities Test follow by invitation.
How long is the fire academy?
The academy runs approximately 7-9 months and includes fire school, EMT training, and daily physical ability training.
What does the hiring process involve?
After applying, candidates are invited (first come, first serve) to take the Civil Service Exam (CSE) and the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) before entering the academy.
Does HFD have a program for returning firefighters?
Yes. HFD operates a Rehire program for former members, though specific eligibility details are handled through the recruiting office.
Who do I contact with hiring questions?
The HFD hiring office is at 500 Jefferson St., Floor C, Houston, TX 77002, open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Call 832-394-6600 or email hfdhiringprocess@houstontx.gov.
Past postings, kept for reference. These are no longer accepting applications.