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Airport Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wayne County Airport Authority

Firefighter

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K/yr

This includes Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and traditional structural fire control/prevention. Additionally, provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Airport's employees, tenants ...

US Department of the Navy

$40K/yr

... firefighting vehicles. 6) Performing non-invasive emergency medical procedures. Required Certifications: Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver ...

CNIC Careers

$40K/yr

... firefighting vehicles. 6) Performing non-invasive emergency medical procedures. Required Certifications: Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver ...

CNIC Careers

FIREFIGHTER

Key West, FL · On-site

$43K/yr

... firefighting vehicles. 6) Performing non-invasive emergency medical procedures. Required Certifications: Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter (ARFF), HAZMAT Technician, National Registry ...

US Department of the Air Force

FIREFIGHTER

Newington, NH · On-site

$51K/yr

... firefighting. The incumbent of this position must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system or equivalent as Airport Firefighter (Includes Firefighter I, II), HAZAMT Operations ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Key West, FL · On-site

$43K/yr

... firefighting vehicles. 6) Performing non-invasive emergency medical procedures. Required Certifications: Firefighter I and II, Airport Firefighter (ARFF), HAZMAT Technician, National Registry ...

V2X

Operates pumps, foam generators, turrets, nozzles, and other firefighting tools and equipment ... Airport Firefighter * Driver/Operator Pumper * Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting

StateJobsNY

Airport Firefighter 1 Trainee

Scotia, NY · On-site

$45K/yr

APFF1T's will only perform the firefighting duties for which they are certified and authorized ... Airport Fire Fighter, Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF ...

Air National Guard Units

FIREFIGHTER

Newington, NH · On-site +1

$51K - $66K/yr

Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, water tankers, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles. Drive to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting ...

StateJobsNY

Airport Firefighter 1 Trainee

Newburgh, NY · On-site

$45K/yr

APFF1T's will only perform the firefighting duties for which they are certified and authorized ... Airport Fire Fighter, Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF ...

Chenega Corporation

Firefighter

FL

Airport Firefighter * Hazardous Materials Operations * National Registry EMR, EMT or Florida EMT * Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must be at least 21 years of age. * Must possess and ...

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Airport Firefighting information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do airport firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport firefighting in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is airport firefighting?

Airport firefighting is a specialized branch of firefighting that focuses on responding to aviation-related emergencies at airports, such as aircraft fires, fuel spills, and rescue situations. Airport firefighters are trained to handle high-risk scenarios unique to the aviation environment, including rapid response to runway incidents and hazardous materials. They also conduct fire prevention inspections, train for mass casualty events, and work closely with airport operations and emergency services. The goal is to protect passengers, crew, airport staff, and infrastructure while ensuring the safety and security of air travel.

What are some common challenges faced by airport firefighters, and how are they addressed on the job?

Airport firefighters often face unique challenges such as responding to large-scale aircraft emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and rapidly changing weather conditions. These situations require swift decision-making, specialized training, and close coordination with airport operations and emergency services. To address these challenges, airport firefighters participate in regular, scenario-based drills, maintain certifications in aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), and work within highly structured teams to ensure clear communication and safety protocols are always followed.

What is the difference between Airport Firefighting vs Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting?

AspectAirport FirefightingAirport Rescue and Fire Fighting
CertificationsFirefighter certification, HAZMAT trainingFirefighter certification, HAZMAT training
Work EnvironmentAirports, aircraft rescue zonesAirports, aircraft rescue zones
Employer & IndustryAirports, airlines

Both Airport Firefighting and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting involve responding to aircraft emergencies at airports. They share similar certifications, work environments, and industry usage. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Airport Firefighting' is the more common term for the role focused on aircraft rescue and fire suppression at airports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airport firefighter?

To thrive as an Airport Firefighter, you need expertise in fire suppression, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by certifications such as Firefighter I/II, EMT, and specialized ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) training. Proficiency with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems such as radios and alarm monitoring panels is essential. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure rapid, effective response to aviation emergencies, safeguarding lives and property in a high-risk environment.
What cities are hiring for Airport Firefighting jobs? Cities with the most Airport Firefighting job openings:
What states have the most Airport Firefighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Firefighting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airport Firefighting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airport Firefighting jobs are:
Airport Firefighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airport Firefighting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter

Wayne County Airport Authority

Detroit, MI • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Applicants must submit/attach proof of Firefighter II, HazMat, Paramedic certificate/license and physical agility certificate (if required) at time of application.
Firefighter
THIS POSITION IS REPRESENTED BY A UNION - IAFF 741
Annual Compensation Range ($USD): $68,819 entry to $89,466 after 4 years of service.
Additional Compensation Opportunities
  • Holiday Pay - up to $5,500 annually
  • Pay for Performance bonus - 2% of base pay
  • EMT/Paramedic bonus - up to $4,500 annually
  • ACLS Instructor bonus - up to $500 annually
  • Seniority bonus - $1,000 annually after 5 years of service
  • Miscellaneous bonus - up to $2,350 annually
  • Education incentive up to $1,000 annually for qualifying degree

Benefit Highlights
  • Defined Contribution retirement plan with 4% employee contribution & 10% employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP)
  • BCBS PPO or HAP Medical (10% premium share), dental, vision, prescriptions life insurance provided. High deductible health plan/HSA option
  • Annual uniform allowance
  • Paid parental leave program
  • Full academic degree and tuition reimbursement program (bachelor & master degree)
  • Generous PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, other) no waiting period before use
  • 10 Kelly days annually

Career Path Opportunities
  • Fire Lieutenant, Captain/Platoon, Captain/Training, Captain/Training, Battalion Chief

A Brief Overview
The Airport Firefighter performs various life, property, and environmental control activities. This includes Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and traditional structural fire control/prevention. Additionally, provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Airport's employees, tenants/contractors and the travelling public. Firefighters participate in an extensive training program that includes fire drills, operating apparatus, live burns, and training related to the maintenance of the State of Michigan Paramedics license. Firefighters assigned to a platoon and work 24-hr on, 48-hr off schedule.
This position is part of a twenty-four-hour, seven-day operation which requires employees to work on a twenty-four-hour platoon shift. This includes: weekends, holidays or an eight or ten-hour day shift, depending on the work assignment. There are four fire stations located at Detroit Metro Airport and Willow Run Airport. Firefighters may rotate between the stations and will also be required to work throughout the entire Airport complex and airfield at Detroit Metro and Willow Run.
What you will do
  • Responds to all emergency calls for service relative to the Fire Department for the Airport Authority jurisdiction, and other communities as specified in inter-governmental Mutual Aid agreements
  • Performs assigned duties in maintaining apparatus, living quarters, buildings, equipment and fire prevention - life safety systems
  • Drives and operates emergency vehicles and associated equipment
  • Conducts periodic first level vehicle equipment maintenance. Documents and reports needed repairs to Command Staff and the Equipment Repair Unit
  • Completes required or necessary forms and reports in a timely manner, routing them to the appropriate staff member for review and processing
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency
  • ST of MI Paramedic License
  • Valid Driver's License and a safe, acceptable driving record
  • MFFTC Fire Fighter II
  • MFFTC Hazardous Materials First Responder (Awareness Level)
  • Must have a valid certificate of completion of the written & Physical Agility Test (CPAT) administered by the Conference of Western Wayne Firefighter Testing program or its equivalent (OPAT) administered by Oakland Community College. Firefighters currently employed by a full-time Fire or Public Safety (combined Police/Fire) department are exempt from this requirement.

Testing Links:
https://www.schoolcraft.edu/testing-center/specialized-testing/firefighter-testing-program
https://www.oaklandcc.edu/emergency-services-training/fire/physicalagility
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Special Conditions
  • Must maintain the ability to qualify for a security ID badge.
  • Firefighters must reside within 75 miles of the Detroit Metropolitan or Willow Run airports.

The Wayne County Airport Authority is committed to provide an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination, prejudice, and bias. As part of this commitment, the Wayne County Airport Authority will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact humanresources@wcaa.us or (734) 942-3775.
Requisition #: req803

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