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Chicago Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago

POLICE CADET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

... the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy will be given priority in processing NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts or college enrollment letter AND a copy of your Driver ...

City of Chicago

POLICE CADET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

Graduates of the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy will be given priority in processing NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts or college enrollment letter AND a copy of your ...

LION Group

Shipping-Receiving Clerk

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Join us to help protect our Firefighters! Benefits of Working with Us! * Competitive Salary ... Location: 4433 South Springfield Ave., Chicago, IL, 60632 Hours: Monday to Friday 6:00 am - 3:00 pm.

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Chicago Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do chicago firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicago 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chicago Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response training, and a high school diploma or GED, often supplemented by EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, and emergency medical systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in high-pressure situations. These abilities ensure firefighters can respond rapidly, protect lives and property, and maintain personal and team safety during emergencies.

Can an epileptic be a firefighter?

Firefighter positions typically require good physical health and the ability to perform demanding tasks. Having epilepsy may disqualify candidates if seizures are uncontrolled or pose safety risks during emergency response, but each department's medical standards vary and may consider individual cases with medical evaluations. Candidates should consult specific department requirements and medical assessments to determine eligibility.

What are Chicago Firefighters?

Chicago Firefighters are trained professionals employed by the Chicago Fire Department to respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, rescues, and other emergencies within the city of Chicago. Their responsibilities go beyond putting out fires—they also provide life-saving medical care, educate the public on fire prevention, and assist in disaster response. Chicago Firefighters work in shifts, often in physically demanding and dangerous conditions, and undergo rigorous training to ensure public safety. They play a vital role in protecting lives and property throughout the city.

What are the typical shift schedules for Chicago Firefighters, and how do they impact work-life balance?

Chicago Firefighters typically work a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off shift schedule, which means they are on duty for 24 consecutive hours, followed by 48 hours off. While this allows for extended periods of rest and time with family, it also requires adjustment to long shifts, including overnight hours and weekends. The nature of the schedule can impact personal routines, but many firefighters appreciate the consecutive days off, which can enable better work-life balance compared to traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Team camaraderie and support within the firehouse also help manage the demands of the role.

How much does a fire fighter make?

The average salary for a firefighter is around $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Firefighters in larger cities or with advanced training may earn higher wages and benefits. Salary often includes overtime, shift differentials, and retirement options.

Is 27 too old to be a firefighter?

The Chicago Fire Department and most fire departments typically accept applicants up to their mid-30s, making 27 generally a suitable age to become a firefighter. Age requirements can vary, but physical fitness, training, and passing exams are more critical factors for eligibility.

Is the Chicago Fire Department hard to get hired?

Becoming a firefighter is competitive and requires meeting specific qualifications, including physical fitness, passing written exams, and completing training programs. Candidates often need relevant certifications and experience, and the hiring process can be lengthy and selective.

What is the difference between Chicago Firefighter vs Chicago Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)?

AspectChicago FirefighterChicago Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT license, CPREMT certification, CPR
Work EnvironmentFire suppression, rescue, emergency responsePre-hospital emergency medical care
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesAmbulance services, hospitals, emergency agencies

Chicago Firefighters and Chicago EMTs both serve vital roles in emergency response. Firefighters focus on fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous situations, often requiring extensive training and certifications. EMTs provide immediate medical care and transport patients to healthcare facilities. While their work environments overlap during emergencies, their primary responsibilities and certifications differ, making each role specialized within the emergency services industry.

What states have the most Chicago Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Chicago Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chicago Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chicago Firefighter jobs are:
Chicago Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chicago Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Full-time Firefighter-Paramedic

Full-time Firefighter-Paramedic

McHenry Township Fire Protection District

Mchenry, IL • On-site

$80K - $123K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Full-Time Firefighter-Paramedic

McHenry Township Fire Protection District

Application Deadline: August 3, 2026 at 11:00 p.m.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is located approximately 60 miles northwest of Chicago in the northeastern portion of McHenry County and covers a 56 square mile area including the communities of Bull Valley, Holiday Hills, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Ringwood, and portions of Wonder Lake, Island Lake and unincorporated McHenry county. The MTFPD responds to over 8,100 emergency calls per year from five strategically located fire stations. The department is currently staffed daily by a combination of part-time and full-time Firefighters, Lieutenants and a Battalion Chief. There are approximately 50,000+ year-round residents within the district.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is seeking highly energetic, strongly motivated individuals for the position of Full-Time Firefighter-Paramedic who possess a combination of knowledge, experience, skills and abilities suited for the District's unique operational needs. Candidates must be consummate professionals both on and off-duty and must set a good example for others. Candidates must exhibit integrity, loyalty, commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for the fire service.

This position involves working both assigned shifts and responding off-duty, as required. This position is appointed by the Board of Fire Commissioners and is considered a full time position.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

  • Between the ages of 21 and 35 as of the application deadline of August 3, 2026. Age 35 may be waived if candidate meets the requirements as identified in Illinois Compiled Statutes, 70 ILCS 705/16.06b as of August 3, 2026.
  • Legal resident of the United States of America
  • Possess valid State Driver's License
  • Be capable of reading, speaking and writing in the English language
  • Meet knowledge, health and physical qualifications established by the District
  • Successfully complete all components of hiring process
  • Pass a background investigation, pre-employment medical exam and drug test
  • OSFM Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) required within 2 years of obtaining Paramedic Licensure
  • IDPH Paramedic License valid in the Western Lake / McHenry EMS system within 2 years of hire
  • Exhibit good moral character, temperate personal habits and show evidence of an industrious work ethic
  • CPAT card with ladder climb dated within 1 year of date of application date

At the time of conditional offer, the candidate shall be required to possess:

  • Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Firefighter II or Basic Operations Firefighter
  • Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Basic License
  • Successful completion of Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) including optional ladder climb within one (1) year of application date

This test will establish a list that will be valid for two years or until sooner exhausted.

As of May 1, 2026, the starting salary for full-time firefighter/paramedic is $80,800 per year. The salary range is $80,800 to $123,878 per year.

The starting salary for those hired as firefighter/EMT is $75,800 per year.

Benefits: Full benefit package including health & dental insurance, vacation and sick days, Holiday Pay and the Illinois Firefighters Pension Plan (Article 4).

Information regarding the position, minimum qualifications, and the testing/hiring process can be downloaded from the attachment below.

Testing Process

Step 1 - Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for the Full-Time Firefighter-Paramedic position by submitting a completed application and all supporting materials. The application is available beginning July 1, 2026 on the MTFPD website at www.mtfpd.org

Applicants must upload a copy of their CPAT card with ladder climb dated within 1 year of application date.

Completed applications and all requested documentation must be submitted via the District website by 11:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026. Mailed, faxed, emailed, incomplete, or late applications will not be considered.

Step 2 – Interested candidates must complete the NTN Fire Team written exam by August 1, 2026. Signup for the exam is done via NTN's website at www.nationaltestingnetwork.com. Candidates who have completed a valid & complete application may request a test voucher by emailing Deputy Chief Bush at bushkaren@fire.mtfpd.org

Step 3 – A mandatory orientation session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. – Station #1, 3610 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050. Interview date is Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Times will be determined at the orientation. Dates are subject to change.