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Aircraft Rescue Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pitkin County, CO

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Aspen, CO · On-site

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Salary: $35.35 - $50.40 Hourly Location : Airport-Aspen/Pitkin County, CO Job Type: Full-time with ... Enters crashed or burning aircraft and/or surrounding areas to rescue victims, effecting entry by ...

Spokane Airport

ARFF Specialist

Spokane, WA · On-site

$31.94 - $46.25/hr

Salary: $31.94 - $46.25 Hourly Location : Spokane Airport; 9000 W. Airport Dr., Ste 204, Spokane ... Participate in emergency rescue of aircraft accident victims. * Assist in housekeeping and ...

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How much do aircraft rescue salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for aircraft rescue salary in the United States is $35.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the highest paid job in aviation?

In aviation, airline pilots, especially captains of large commercial aircraft, tend to be the highest paid roles, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, certifications, and often involve irregular schedules and long hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, you need specialized training in firefighting, emergency medical response, and knowledge of aircraft operations, usually supported by certifications such as Firefighter I/II and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). Familiarity with firefighting vehicles, rescue tools, communication systems, and hazardous materials handling is essential. Quick decision-making, teamwork, physical fitness, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in high-pressure, emergency situations. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and airport facilities during aviation emergencies.

What is the average salary for an aircraft rescue firefighter?

The average salary for an aircraft rescue firefighters, also known as ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) personnel, varies depending on location, experience, and employer. In the United States, the median annual salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000, with some positions at major airports or with significant experience earning upwards of $70,000 or more. Benefits, overtime opportunities, and cost of living in the area can also affect total compensation.

How to become an arff?

To become an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (ARFF), candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, emergency response training, and certification such as Firefighter I and II. Additional qualifications include physical fitness, experience with firefighting equipment, and often specialized training in aircraft rescue and hazardous materials response. Some positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment around aircraft.

What is the difference between Aircraft Rescue Salary vs Firefighter?

AspectAircraft RescueFirefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, rescue trainingFirefighter certification, emergency medical training
Work EnvironmentAirports, aircraft rescue zonesFire stations, emergency scenes
Employer & IndustryAirlines, airportsMunicipalities, government agencies

Both Aircraft Rescue and Firefighters require similar certifications and work in emergency response environments. Aircraft Rescue personnel focus on airport and aircraft-specific rescue operations, while Firefighters serve broader community emergency needs. Salary differences reflect industry demands and specialized training, but both roles are vital in emergency services.

How hard is it to become an air force firefighter?

Becoming an Air Force firefighter requires meeting basic military enlistment standards, completing specialized training at the Fire Academy, and obtaining relevant certifications such as firefighter I and II. Candidates must pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and medical examinations, making the process competitive but achievable with proper preparation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) roles?

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting professionals often encounter unique challenges, such as responding to high-pressure emergencies involving hazardous materials, aviation fuel fires, and potential mass casualty situations. These roles require maintaining constant readiness, ongoing training, and physical fitness to meet strict safety standards. Teamwork is essential, as ARFF teams must coordinate closely with airport personnel, local emergency services, and air traffic control during incidents. The unpredictable nature of emergencies and shift work can also present challenges in maintaining work-life balance.

What is the highest paid type of firefighter?

Aircraft rescue firefighters, who specialize in responding to emergencies at airports and often require specialized training and certifications, tend to have higher salaries compared to other firefighter roles due to the specialized environment and skills needed. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and agency, but aircraft rescue roles generally offer higher compensation within the firefighting field.
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Rescue Salary jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Rescue Salary job openings:
What states have the most Aircraft Rescue Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Rescue Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Rescue Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Rescue Salary jobs are:
Aircraft Rescue Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Rescue Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,696 per year, or $35.4 per hour.
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Pitkin County, CO

Aspen, CO • On-site

$35.35 - $50.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Salary: $35.35 - $50.40 Hourly
Location : Airport-Aspen/Pitkin County, CO
Job Type: Full-time with benefits, hourly
Job Number: 202300387
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 12:00 AM Mountain
Bilingual Stipend: Yes
Hiring Minimum: $35.35
Hiring Maximum: $50.40
Pay Grade: P103
Hiring Range Description: This position is on a step pay plan, which is a structured pay system that determines employee pay. Employees progress through predetermined pay levels ("steps") based on specific criteria, such as years of service, performance, or additional qualifications/milestones. Each step corresponds to a higher pay rate, providing predictable, incremental raises.
** Early applications are encouraged**
*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.
*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.
Job Summary
Protects lives and property by responding to alarmed and declared aircraft emergencies, structural fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other calls for service for the Aspen Airport, implements the Airport Emergency Plan, and coordinates mutual aid response to ensure life safety of passengers and employees.
Job Responsibilities
  • Manages fire response to alarmed and declared Airport emergencies in accordance with Federal guidelines outlined by the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 (FAR Part 139) and other applicable federal regulations; interprets and applies all information from FAA Advisory Circulars.
  • Ensures safety of Airport for aviation users by observing runway and airport conditions, familiarization in commercial and general aviation aircraft, to ensure safe and timely response to airfield incidents.
  • First responder with full responsibility to manage aircraft alerts, emergencies, accidents, and hazardous materials incidents in the capacity of ARFF on scene.
  • Implements Airport Emergency Plan and coordinates mutual aid response with prescribed procedures.
  • Dons and employs full personal protective equipment. Performs initial fire suppression on and in the area of burning aircraft. Enters crashed or burning aircraft and/or surrounding areas to rescue victims, effecting entry by normal and emergency means with or without rescue equipment.
  • Operates specialized equipment to apply various types of fire-extinguishing agents. Drives, positions, and operates large Airport fire apparatus in established response areas.
  • Facilitates and maintains fuel farm and fuel truck inspections on a scheduled basis to ensure facility and equipment meet local, state, and federal standards.
  • Complies with rigorous ARFF training standards, protocols, and expectations; performs daily inspection of ARFF apparatus and fire compliant personal protective equipment.
  • Performs snow removal duties including, but not limited to, clearing snow from Airport roadways, pedestrian walkways, runways, taxiways and aprons, operating snow removal equipment and cleaning/maintaining snow removal equipment.
  • Performs ancillary security duties by assisting with the Airport Worker Screening Program.
  • Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills
This position follows a sequence:
  • Level I - Aircraft Rescue Firefighter:
    • Minimum 1 year of previous structural or aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • 0-3 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience
    • IFSAC*/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter 1.
    • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado HAZMAT Operations.
    • NREMT or Colorado EMT (NREMT transferred to Colorado within one month).
    • ARFF 40-hour certificate within first two months of hire.
    • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
  • Level II - Senior Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level I):
    • 3-6 years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • IFSAC/ProBoard/Colorado Firefighter II.
  • Level III - Master Aircraft Rescue Firefighter (in addition to Level II):
    • 6+ years of aircraft rescue firefighting experience.
    • Minimum 3 years of service with the Sardy Field Fire Department.
    • AAAE Airport Master Firefighter certificate.
    • ARFF Driver/Operator certification.

*International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
Knowledge Of:
  • County policies and procedures.
  • State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed.
  • Record keeping and records management rules and standards.

Skill In:
  • Applying governing rules and regulations.
  • Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
  • Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies.
  • Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • Work environment is dictated by the activities at the Airport. Extended periods in difficult work environments may occur as a result of emergency conditions or inclement weather. Work is frequently performed outdoors with potential exposure to dangerous tools, equipment, machinery, inclement weather conditions, and fumes. The position is subject to work outside traditional hours, emergency callout, holidays, nights and extended operating days. The position occasionally involves working in a hazardous environment. There is some travel required for mandatory training.

  • Physical Requirements: Firefighting is a demanding and dynamic job that requires the ability to perform physically demanding work. Firefighters will be required to:
    • Operate equipment and machinery requiring complex and rapid adjustments.
    • Pull, charge, relocate and effectively employ hand lines and supply lines up to 5" in diameter.
    • Perform strenuous activity with the ability to occasionally lift and transport 75 pounds.
    • Transport a 170 pound person one-hundred feet or more by dragging, carrying or other manual means.
    • Transport extrication tools and other fire and rescue equipment weighing 75 pounds 100 feet or more.
    • Coordinate hands, eyes, feet, and limbs in performing skilled movements.
    • Exert required physical effort to perform moderate to heavy work typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
    • Recognizing and identifying similarities or differences between colors, shapes, sounds, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Residency Requirement
In times of emergency and when deemed operationally necessary by the Aircraft Rescue Captain or Airport leadership, firefighters may be recalled for duty at any time. Within sixty days of hire, firefighters must maintain a primary residence within a two-hour response time of Sardy Field Fire Dept. Station 71.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
For more information, click for our 2025 Employee Benefits Guide in English. To review the version in Spanish, click

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