7 Essential Steps To Join The Austin Fire Department (AFD): Hiring Updates And Salary Guide For 2026
The Austin Fire Department (AFD) hiring process is highly competitive, and as of December 2025, the application window for the most recent cadet class is officially closed. Prospective firefighters must stay vigilant, as the department operates on an irregular cycle, and preparation is the key to securing one of the coveted spots in the next Austin Fire Training Academy. This comprehensive guide provides the freshest details on the current status, salary structure, minimum qualifications, and the rigorous steps required to join one of the nation's premier fire rescue services.
The City of Austin recently approved a significant four-year, $63 million deal aimed at boosting recruitment and retention, which includes substantial wage increases for both cadets and full-time firefighters. Understanding the timeline, the physical demands of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and the stringent employment disqualifications is crucial for anyone hoping to wear the badge of an Austin firefighter.
Austin Fire Department (AFD) Profile and Compensation Structure
The Austin Fire Department is a vital public safety entity, serving the vibrant and rapidly growing capital of Texas. The department is committed to its mission, vision, and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and being an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
- Authorized Sworn Positions: 1,181 Firefighter positions.
- Civilian Staff: 106 members.
- Shift Schedule: Firefighters in the Operations Division typically work a 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off.
Updated AFD Firefighter Salary and Pay Scale
Recent contract negotiations have resulted in a highly competitive pay scale designed to attract and retain top talent. The salary is structured across the Cadet, Probationary Firefighter, and full-time Firefighter ranks.
- Fire Cadet Starting Pay: $22.55 per hour, amounting to approximately $46,904 annually during the academy.
- Probationary Firefighter Salary: Upon successful completion of the Fire Training Academy, the annual salary increases to $62,159.
- Experienced Firefighter Base Salary:
- Year 1: $60,053
- Year 5: $71,125
- Year 10: $78,414
The 7-Step Austin Fire Department Hiring Process
The AFD hiring process is a multi-stage gauntlet designed to test mental aptitude, physical ability, and personal character. Applicants must successfully complete each phase to move forward. As of late 2025, the Application, Written Exam, and Structured Oral Process are closed, and the AFD is currently in the scoring, ranking, and pre-hire assessment phase for the most recent cycle.
1. Application and Eligibility Requirements
The initial step is to meet the basic criteria before the application window closes. Failure to meet any of these minimum qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old but cannot exceed 35 years of age on the day the written exam is administered.
- Education: Must possess a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
- Certification: Must be eligible to be certified as a Firefighter and EMT by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS).
- Driver's License: Must possess a valid driver's license.
2. Written Examination
This is a pass/fail assessment that evaluates cognitive abilities, reading comprehension, and problem-solving skills necessary for a career in fire rescue. Candidates must score high enough to move on to the next round.
3. Structured Oral Process (SOP)
The SOP is a formal interview designed to assess communication skills, judgment, and behavioral competencies. This stage is critical for evaluating how a candidate handles high-stress scenarios and aligns with the department's core values.
4. Scoring, Ranking, and Veteran Preference Points
After the Written Exam and SOP, candidates are scored and ranked on an eligibility list. Veteran Preference Points are applied to qualifying applicants, which can significantly boost their position on the final list.
5. Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
The CPAT is the standardized, timed physical ability test adopted by the AFD to ensure all candidates possess the physical fitness required for the job. This test simulates the intense demands of firefighting.
- CPAT Structure: The test consists of eight continuous, sequential events.
- Weight Requirement: Participants must wear a 50-lb vest throughout the duration of the test.
- Movement: Candidates must walk 85 feet between each of the eight testing stations.
Preparation is key; the AFD strongly recommends training using movements that mirror the physical demands of the CPAT, such as stair climbing with weights.
6. Pre-Hire Assessments
Candidates who successfully complete the CPAT and rank high enough on the eligibility list proceed to a series of comprehensive pre-hire assessments. These may include:
- Extensive background investigation and criminal background check.
- Polygraph examination.
- Medical examination and drug screening.
- Psychological evaluation.
7. Final Offer and Fire Training Academy
The final ranked eligibility list is created from those who successfully complete all pre-hire assessments. Final job offers are extended to the top candidates, who then enter the intensive, semester-long Austin Fire Training Academy (ACCFTA). The academy includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training to prepare cadets for their role as Probationary Firefighters.
Key Employment Disqualifications to Avoid
The Austin Fire Department maintains strict standards for its personnel. Before applying, potential candidates must carefully review the list of employment disqualifications. General categories that may result in immediate ineligibility include:
- Age and Certification: Not meeting the minimum or maximum age limits, or being ineligible for TCFP/TDSHS certification.
- Criminal History: A history of criminal offenses above a Class 'B' misdemeanor, or a conviction for any Class 'B' misdemeanor within a specified time frame.
- Legal Matters: Any unresolved legal issues that could impact suitability for employment.
- Tattoos and Body Modification: Large or excessive tattoos, especially those considered offensive or inappropriate, and large earlobe tunnels.
Looking Ahead: The Next AFD Hiring Cycle (2026)
While the current hiring cycle is closed, the Austin Fire Department is consistently seeking dedicated individuals to fill its ranks. There are no official dates published for the next application period, which is why prospective candidates should consider 2026 a target year for the next opportunity.
To ensure you are ready, you should immediately begin preparing for the CPAT and familiarize yourself with the Written Exam material. Monitor the official "JoinAFD" website and the City of Austin job postings frequently for the announcement of the next application window. With the new contract increasing firefighter wages, competition for the next cadet class is expected to be fierce, making early preparation essential.
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