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Airport Firefighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LEAD FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY ยท On-site +1

$55K - $72K/yr

... firefighting equipment such as a pumper, aerial ladder truck, or Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in firefighting and rescue operations. Experience directing firefighting crew in the ...

Firefighter

Enid, OK ยท On-site

$21.94/hr

Firefighter II, HAZMAT Operations, Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) all other certifications as per CBA. Basic Qualifications : โ€ข Firefighter I and II is mandatory prior to employment and must be ...

Firefighter I Firefighter II Airport Firefighter Hazardous Materials Awareness Hazardous Materials Operations National Registry of EMT GS4 : Incumbent has 1 year to complete the following ...

Firefighter II, HAZMAT Operations, Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) all other certifications as per CBA. Basic Qualifications : โ€ข Firefighter I and II is mandatory prior to employment and must be ...

$50K/yr

Firefighter I/II, Airport Firefighter, Hazmat Operations, Hazmat Technician, Driver Operator Pump, Driver Operator ARFF, and National Registered EMT. All certifications must be issued by the ...

Showing results 21-40

Airport Firefighting information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do airport firefighting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 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 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 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 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:

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 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter/Paramedic

Indianapolis Airport Authority

Indianapolis, IN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description
  • #1 Airport in North America and Indiana Chamber's Best Places to Work!
  • Paid Childcare Reimbursements up to $10k/year, per child.
  • Paid Tuition Assistance up to $5,250/year
  • Generous Medical, Dental, Vision and RX
  • Free Healthcare through Marathon Health
  • Pet Insurance
  • Up to 5% Match Retirement Plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off Programs & MORE

GENERAL SUMMARY
It is the responsibility of the Firefighter/Paramedic to respond to all emergency calls on airport property which involves property damage, injury, or a threat of property damage or injury focusing first on the safety of the individual and secondly on minimizing property damage and protecting the environment. Ensure that the airport has the capability to respond to emergencies within the standards established by the FAA regulations
COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERACTION WITH OTHERS
  • The public
  • Tenants
  • Co-workers
  • Other departments
  • Contractors
  • Other government entities
  • Other fire rescue departments

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Indiana State certified Paramedic. Functions as a primary advanced life support pre-hospital care-giver on EMS responses when necessary. Performs advanced life support skills and patient care including transport of the patient to an appropriate hospital facility. Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) from an approved American Heart Association training institution.
  • Daily, inspect and confirm the operating status of the truck assigned checking fluid levels by gauge and manually, operating pumps, ensuring that all required equipment is on board and stocked and that radios operate properly. Fuel truck as necessary
  • Throughout the shift, maintain the fire station both inside and outside, mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, washing windows, sweeping, dusting, re-supplying storeroom, shoveling walks and cleaning the kitchen and restrooms
  • Respond to emergency calls within the FAA time limits by getting to one's truck, bunkering, operating the truck, driving to the scene and employing the necessary rescue tactics ranging from spraying fire retarding agent, to stabilizing an injured party and packaging for transportation. Emergency calls may include, but are not limited to airplane crash, building fire, automobile accident, injury or illness.
  • Respond to spills of fuel or hazardous substances and bomb threats. Build dikes or contain fuel or hazardous substances in such a manner as to prevent discharge into the surface drainage system. Respond to bomb threats by evacuating and securing the area and assisting the Police Bomb Squad.
  • Conduct inspections on fire/EMS equipment used by the public as well as by trained firefighters.
  • Provide escorts, safety seminars, and training sessions Participate in continuous physical and mental training
  • Perform any other function assigned

PHYSICAL TASKS
  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Operate heavy equipment
  • Operate small equipment and power tools
  • Operate a computer keyboard
  • Operate office equipment
  • Lift and carry up to 160 pounds
  • Climb ladders/stairs
  • Walk, crawl, sit, stand, stoop, bend, squat, push, pull, jump, run
  • See, hear, talk, write
  • Have physical dexterity and agility
  • Eye-hand coordination
  • Operate airport radio
  • File/store
  • Operate machinery

COGNITIVE TASKS
  • Read and comprehend
  • Comprehend, retain and follow oral and written instructions
  • Exercise good judgment
  • Set priorities
  • Effectively communicate
  • Make informative presentations
  • Continue technical and physical training
  • Control high stress situations
  • Provide instructions and training
  • Direct
  • Complete forms
  • Make decisions

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Work as a team
  • Regular extended continuous work schedules
  • Outside and inside work sites
  • Exposure to all type of weather and temperature conditions
  • Exposure to dust, dirt, mud
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals and infectious substance
  • Exposure to moving machinery, nip points
  • Exposure to high stress situations
  • Exposure to life threatening situation
  • Work in bulky, heavy protective clothing
  • Multiple work sites
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS
  • Graduation from a standard high school or vocational school or successful completion of a high school equivalency exam
  • Ability to perform all the physical and cognitive tasks outlined in the job description
  • Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, CONDITIONS
  • Valid driver's license and a demonstrated good driving record
  • Certification as a Paramedic
  • Certification in ACLS
  • Successfully complete Airport Firefighter certification
  • Successfully complete, on an annual basis, required EMS In-service, once certified by the state
  • Ability to perform all of the essential functions of the job outlined above without creating a direct threat to the safety of oneself or others
  • Uncorrected vision of 20/100 or better and corrected vision of 20/40 or better
  • Successfully complete NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800 certifications
  • CPR Certification
  • Successfully complete Hazardous Material Operations level
  • Certification as a Firefighter II