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Cal Fire Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do cal fire firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cal fire firefighter 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.

How much do CAL FIRE firefighters make per hour?

Cal Fire firefighters typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, rank, and location. Entry-level firefighters usually start at the lower end, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and hazard pay may also increase overall compensation.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a Cal Fire Firefighter, and how does the team operate during fire season?

Cal Fire Firefighters usually work long shifts, often on a rotating schedule that can include 24-hour shifts and extended assignments during peak fire season. Teams are highly collaborative, relying on strong communication and coordination to respond to wildfires, structural fires, rescues, and other emergencies. During the height of fire activity, firefighters may be deployed to remote locations for several days at a time, living and working together in dynamic, high-pressure environments. This teamwork ensures quick, unified responses to evolving incidents and supports the safety of both firefighters and the public.

What is a Cal Fire Firefighter job?

A Cal Fire Firefighter is responsible for responding to wildfires, structural fires, and other emergencies across California. They perform fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical services while also engaging in fire prevention, education, and resource management. Firefighters work in demanding conditions, often in rugged terrain, and must be physically fit and trained to handle various firefighting equipment. Cal Fire Firefighters may also participate in controlled burns, disaster response, and public safety programs. This role requires extensive training, teamwork, and a commitment to protecting lives, property, and natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cal Fire Firefighter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cal Fire Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response expertise, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with completion of a fire academy or Firefighter I certification commonly required. Familiarity with firefighting apparatus, wildland fire tools, PPE, and communications systems such as radios and incident command software is essential. Teamwork, resilience, quick decision-making, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These attributes are vital for ensuring safety, effective incident response, and successful collaboration during unpredictable and hazardous situations.

More about Cal Fire Firefighter jobs
What cities are hiring for Cal Fire Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Cal Fire Firefighter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs? The most popular types of Cal Fire Firefighter jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Cal Fire Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cal Fire Firefighter jobs are:
Cal Fire Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cal Fire Firefighter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% Full Time, and 76% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter Trainee - EMT & Firefighter Trainee - Paramedic

County of Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-3574 (AN)
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY, AND NOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS BEING POSTED UNTIL JULY 1, 2026, FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.
SALARY
  • Firefighter Trainee: Starting Pay $81,034 Annual Base Salary.
  • Firefighter: Starting Pay $96,961 Annual Base Salary (Commences after Graduation from Academy).
  • EMT Allowance: 4% of Base Salary Annually (Commences after Graduation from Academy).
  • Paramedic Allowance: Approx. $12,804 - 11% of "E" step of Firefighter Annually (Commences after Accreditation Period).

THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA FIRE DEPARTMENT will be opening/posting the recruitment on July 7, 2026, for FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE - EMT and FIREFIGHTER TRAINEE - PARAMEDIC with a closing date of August 3, 2026, 4:59pm PST.
If you are interested in this position, please make sure to read the Employment Standards (qualifications) listed below.
Examples of Duties
  • Attends the Firefighter Recruit Academy to obtain instruction in such topics as structural and wildland firefighting, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response, Urban Search and Rescue, high angle rope rescue, and related all-risk response duties.
  • Participates in rigorous physical fitness training

Employment Standards
ALL APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS THESE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS (QUALIFICATIONS) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THE RECRUITMENT, AUGUST 3, 2026. PLEASE ENSURE ALL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW ARE CURRENT ON AUGUST 3, 2026.
THESE DOCUMENTS MUST BE DOWNLOADED AND SUBMITTED TO FCTC. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VERIFY RECEIPT OF YOUR DOCUMENTS AND CONFIRM WITH FCTC THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED ON THE FCTC STATEWIDE ELIGIBILITY LIST (SEL) PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION.
  1. Placement on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL): AND
    1. Possession of a valid driver's license
    2. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
    3. Possess a valid Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card (must be valid on August 3, 2026)
    4. Receive a passing score of 70% or higher on the FCTC Written test (written test expires 12 months from date taken - test must be valid on August 3, 2026)

2. Possession of a current California EMT-1 License or a current California EMT-P license.
Additional Qualifications:
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment.
  • A California Firefighter Endorsement is required within one year of appointment.

Applicants hired after December 26, 1988, shall be disqualified from further employment consideration if they use tobacco products in any form on or off duty.
Each Employment Standard listed above must be maintained until time of appointment.
Please Note: NREMT, National Registry EMT certifications are not eligible in lieu of a California-EMT certification.
Supplemental Information
Please make the necessary arrangements to meet the requirements, including placement on the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center Statewide Eligibility List (SEL), on August 3, 2026.
To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here: ().
  • Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for a grant to pay for their FCTC testing fees. ()

Please visit for further information regarding the CPAT, written tests, and to learn about the examination process, requirements, study materials, and other testing information including fees. Costs associated with taking the examinations are the responsibility of the applicant. A fee is assessed by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) to complete the examination. Grants are available through the California Fire Foundation. Proof of financial need is required.
About the County of Santa Barbara Fire Department:
Since 1926, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department has served and safeguarded the community from the impacts of fire, medical emergencies, environmental emergencies, and natural disasters through leadership, planning, education, prevention, code enforcement, and all-hazard emergency response. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has a rich tradition and commitment to service excellence; we are well equipped, well trained, and experienced. We have excellent working relationships with other State fire agencies and maintain a reputation as leaders in the region. We have 274 employees, an annual operating budget of $89.2 million, and a capital budget of $3.3 million. Services are provided through 16 fire stations, air operations, heavy equipment, and three offices located throughout Santa Barbara County. We serve the cities of Buellton, Goleta, and Solvang, private lands, and County unincorporated areas. To learn more about our department, please visit:
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement -The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.
WHEN THE RECRUITMENT BULLETIN IS POSTED ON JULY 7, 2026, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU MAY EMAIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT:
Retirement Plans
  • Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
  • Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
  • For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
Health Benefits
  • Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
  • On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
  • Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
  • Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
  • For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
Paid Time Off
  • Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
  • Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
  • Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
  • Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
  • For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
Miscellaneous Benefits
  • County Paid Term Life Insurance
  • County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Childcare and Employee Discounts
  • Relocation Assistance may apply
  • Flexible work schedule may apply
  • For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
Compensation Summary
  • To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

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