Houston Fire Department

Fire Chief’s Comment on Firefighters 18% Pay Increase

On June 30, 2021, Houston City Council voted to approve an Ordinance providing Houston Firefighters with an 18% pay raise over 3 fiscal years. Beginning the first full pay period in July 2021, firefighters will receive 6% pay increase, and an additional 6% per year in each of the follow two fiscal years. Those in the rank of Captain, including Inspectors, Investigators and Communication Captains will see a slightly higher pay increase in year two and three to better align with the market range.

“The goal is to be more competitive in the market for our industry and to retain talent. The pay raise is well deserved as firefighters have performed admirably during very difficult times to include being on the frontline of the Covid19 pandemic. And I want there to be no misunderstanding, this is a permanent pay raise. This raise was adopted by the City Council and will exist in the City Budget”, says Fire Chief Peña.

Mayor Sylvester Turner says, "I have always said and believed that firefighters work very hard at protecting our community and deserve a pay raise that the city can afford,". "The pay increase we approved today will serve to move firefighter's salary to within market average range for their jobs as determined by the city's most recent salary survey."

Fire Chief Samuel Peña provides brief remarks and answers media questions regarding the pay increase of Houston Firefighters for the next three fiscal years (2022, 2023 and 2024) on June 30, 2021 in his office.