Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TX Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Texas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Current employment in field required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
A fire extinguisher technician may sell, plan, install, certify, or service fixed fire extinguisher systems or portable fire extinguishers in residential or commercial properties to the extent permitted by their type of license.
- 7
An individual who holds a planning license may be employed by a firm that is permitted to sell, plan, install, certify, or service fixed fire extinguisher systems and sell, install, certify or service portable fire extinguishers.
- 8
A registered firm that employs a Type A (fixed system license) licensee is permitted to sell, install, certify, or service fixed fire extinguishing systems and portable extinguishers.
- 9
A Type B (portable license) holder may be employed by a registered firm to sell, install, certify, or service portable extinguishers and test certain portable fire extinguishers.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certify, or service fixed fire extinguisher systems or portable fire extinguishers in residential or commercial properties to the extent permitted by their type of license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Texas Department of Insurance • State Fire Marshal
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,840 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Current employment in field required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Texas Department of Insurance~State Fire Marshal and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of $60,840, Firefighters in Texas earn 2% above the national median of $59,530. Texas ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$60,840Hourly estimate
$29.252% above national median
Difference: +$1,310
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#18 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $60,840 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $42,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Louisiana | $33,700 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $42,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Texas Department of Insurance • State Fire Marshal
PO Box 149104, Austin, TX, 78714
Phone: 5126766800
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $51,020 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $76,350 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $33,390 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $82,170 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Texas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Texas?
Texas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Texas?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Firefighter licensure in Texas.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Texas?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Texas is $60,840. Salaries range from $42,430 (10th percentile) to $76,840 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Texas compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Texas earn 2% above the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $60,840.
How many Firefighters work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 30,400 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Texas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Texas?
The licensing agency is Texas Department of Insurance / State Fire Marshal. Review agency details at https://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/fmli.html.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Texas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.