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Airport Rescue Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter EMT

Stratford, CT ยท On-site

$35.47/hr

The Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) is responsible for ensuring safety and emergency response operations at all of our Connecticut locations that have flight operations. This role involves rapid ...

Firefighter EMT

Stratford, CT ยท On-site

$35.47/hr

The Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) is responsible for ensuring safety and emergency response operations at all of our Connecticut locations that have flight operations. This role involves rapid ...

Firefighter EMT

Stratford, CT ยท On-site

$35.47/hr

The Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) is responsible for ensuring safety and emergency response operations at all of our Connecticut locations that have flight operations. This role involves rapid ...

Firefighter EMT

Stratford, CT ยท On-site

$35.47/hr

The Airport Rescue Firefighter (ARFF) is responsible for ensuring safety and emergency response operations at all of our Connecticut locations that have flight operations. This role involves rapid ...

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

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 ...

Responsibilities The Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Supervisor provides fire prevention ... E.D) AND 8 years as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. Degree must be from a college or university ...

FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY ยท On-site

$40K/yr

Must have 12 months experience driving and operating firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. Experience leading a crew in the ...

FIREFIGHTER

Syracuse, NY ยท On-site

$40K/yr

Must have 12 months experience driving and operating firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial ladder trucks, and Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. Experience leading a crew in the ...

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Airport Rescue Firefighter information

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How much do airport rescue firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for airport rescue firefighter in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport rescue firefighter?

Airport Rescue Firefighters are specialized emergency responders trained to handle aircraft-related incidents and emergencies at airports. Their primary duties include firefighting, rescuing passengers and crew from aircraft, and providing emergency medical care. They also respond to hazardous material spills, fuel fires, and other emergencies unique to the aviation environment. These firefighters undergo rigorous training in aircraft systems, firefighting techniques, and rescue operations to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an airport rescue firefighter?

To thrive as an Airport Rescue Firefighter, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire suppression, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling, typically supported by firefighter certification (e.g., NFPA 1003) and EMT qualifications. Familiarity with specialized airport firefighting vehicles, rescue tools, and incident command systems is essential. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this high-stakes environment. These competencies ensure rapid, coordinated responses to airport emergencies, protecting lives and property in a unique and challenging setting.

What unique challenges do airport rescue firefighters face compared to municipal firefighters?

Airport Rescue Firefighters regularly encounter specialized challenges such as handling aircraft fires, hazardous material spills, and large-scale emergency evacuations. The role often requires rapid response within strict timeframes due to the potential risk to passengers and aircraft. Additionally, firefighters must be knowledgeable about airport layouts, aviation fuel properties, and aircraft construction to respond effectively. Collaboration with airport security, air traffic control, and emergency medical teams is also essential to ensure coordinated incident management.

What is the difference between Airport Rescue Firefighter vs Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Technician?

AspectAirport Rescue FirefighterAircraft Rescue and Firefighting Technician
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, Airport Firefighter certificationFirefighter I & II, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting certification
Work EnvironmentAirports, runways, terminal areasAirports, aircraft, hangars
Employer & IndustryAirports, airlines, government agenciesAirports, airlines, military bases

Both roles involve firefighting at airports, requiring similar certifications and working in airport environments. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Airport Rescue Firefighter' is commonly used in the U.S., while 'Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Technician' may be used in other regions or contexts. Both positions focus on aircraft emergencies, rescue operations, and fire suppression at airports.

What are popular job titles related to Airport Rescue Firefighter jobs?

For Airport Rescue Firefighter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airport Rescue Firefighter job openings in the United States as of September 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 $39,998 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Operations Specialist / Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Hyannis, MA โ€ข On-site

Town of Barnstable
Constructionย โ€ขย 1 - 10 employees

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate aircraft rescue firefighting apparatus and respond to aircraft rescue and firefighting emergencies.

  • Perform light airport maintenance, aircraft fueling, snow removal, and related tasks as required.

  • Work outdoors in various weather conditions and potentially beyond normal working hours during emergencies.


Job description

Career Opportunities with Town of Barnstable

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Careers At Town of Barnstable

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Operations Specialist / Aircraft Rescue Firefighter

Skilled and semi-skilled work in connections with aircraft rescue and firefighting services; light airport maintenance; aircraft fueling services and snow removal; all other related work as required.

Driver and operator of aircraft rescue firefighting apparatus. As a first responder and Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, work may involve exposure to hazards that include but are not limited to: fire hazards, climbing ladders, lifting heavy hoses and hazards associated with aircraft rescue and firefighting. Exposure to body fluids, some of which may be infectious and/or communicable, human injury and death. Exposure to inclement weather, aviation fuels, automotive fuels, propellers, toxic fumes, dirt, hazardous wastes, and moving aircraft.

Work is conducted within a garage and office setting, on the runways, taxiways, and throughout the airport. Must work outdoors as needed, regardless of the weather. Occasionally works before and/or beyond normal working hours during snow and ice operations and other emergencies.

High school diploma with additional courses or training in airport operation and procedures; one year experience in airport operations; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in aircraft rescue and firefighting and aviation radio procedures a plus.

CDL Class B license. (must obtain within 120 days)

Massachusetts Firearms Identification Card (must obtain within 120 days)

Capable of passing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security check as a prerequisite to working in highly sensitive areas.

Willingness and desire to keep current in the area of ARFF.

Additional Qualifications:

Knowledge of Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting operations, airport crash/rescue fire techniques and of fire department SOPs related to fire emergency medical response operations, techniques and practices. Knowledge of aircraft rescue and firefighting operations, techniques, and practices. Knowledge of fire suppression, emergency rescue, emergency care, and hazardous materials techniques. Knowledge of department apparatus, specialized rescue tools and equipment and maintenance of the same and the methods and techniques relating to aircraft maintenance and servicing, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting operations, aviation radio procedures and airport operations. Working knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 and Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 1542 and 1544

Ability to complete all work assignments without immediate supervision.

Proficiency in the use of computers including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Capable of performing light construction and light maintenance work relating to vehicles, fueling equipment and other related work.

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