ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Civilian Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$51K/yr

Individuals who are past the maximum entry age limit (37 years) and have prior Federal civilian firefighter experience covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 8336(c), need to upload their first ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA · On-site

$42K/yr

This age restriction does not apply to those who have previously served in a Federal civilian firefighting position covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 3307 provisions OR qualified veteran ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Columbus, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

As an Army Firefighter, you'll have the vital task of protecting peoples' lives and property from fire, much like their civilian counterparts. You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army ...

U.S. Army

Firefighter

Ashland, KY · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

As an Army Firefighter, you'll have the vital task of protecting peoples' lives and property from fire, much like their civilian counterparts. You'll control and prevent fires, not only in Army ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsEmergency Services JobsEmergency Services Professional JobsCivilian Firefighter Jobs

Civilian Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do civilian firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for civilian 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 is a civilian firefighter?

Civilian firefighters are professionals who are employed by municipal, county, or private fire departments and are not members of the military. Their primary responsibilities include responding to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and rescue situations to protect lives and property. Civilian firefighters undergo extensive training in fire suppression, emergency medical care, and disaster response. They also participate in fire prevention education, building inspections, and maintaining firefighting equipment. Civilian firefighters work closely with other emergency services and play a crucial role in community safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civilian firefighter?

To thrive as a Civilian Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response training, and relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and EMT credentials. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, rescue tools, and incident management systems like ICS is essential. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills are critical soft skills for effective emergency response. These competencies ensure safety, efficient operations, and the ability to protect lives and property under high-pressure conditions.

What are some common challenges civilian firefighters face when transitioning into the role from other professions?

Civilian firefighters often encounter challenges such as adapting to the physically demanding nature of the job, learning to operate complex firefighting equipment, and adjusting to non-traditional work schedules, including 24-hour shifts. Teamwork and quick decision-making are essential, as firefighters must rely on each other in high-pressure situations. Additionally, new hires must be prepared for ongoing training to stay current with safety protocols and emergency response techniques.

What is the difference between Civilian Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectCivilian FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT license often requiredBasic training, certification varies by department
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid position in municipal departmentsPart-time, unpaid or stipend-based, community-based
EmployerMunicipal fire departmentsCommunity or volunteer fire departments

Both Civilian Firefighters and Volunteer Firefighters respond to fire emergencies and require similar certifications. Civilian Firefighters are typically full-time, paid professionals working for municipal departments, while Volunteer Firefighters serve part-time without pay, often in community-based roles. The main differences lie in employment status, compensation, and training specifics, but both play vital roles in fire safety and emergency response.

Is 27 too late to be a civilian firefighter?

Civilian firefighter roles typically require candidates to be at least 18 years old, with some departments accepting applicants up to their late 20s or early 30s. Age limits vary by department, but being 27 is generally not too late to pursue a firefighting career, especially if you meet physical fitness and certification requirements such as EMT or firefighter training. Experience, fitness, and certifications are often more important than age alone.
More about Civilian Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for Civilian Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Civilian Firefighter job openings:

What states have the most Civilian Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Civilian Firefighter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Civilian Firefighter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Civilian Firefighter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

LEAD FIREFIGHTER

Biloxi, MS • On-site

US Department of the Air Force
See more jobs at US Department of the Air Forceexternal

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Lead Firefighter responsible for a major piece of firefighting equipment and its regularly assigned crew of three or more firefighters engaged in airfield and structural firefighting and rescue operations and the reduction and/or elimination of potential fire hazards.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS Fire Protections and Prevention Series 0081.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the positions: (1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents; and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-08 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge to drive and operate firefighting vehicles of significant complexity; of the principles of hydraulics as they pertain to water flow, water pressure, water levels, line (friction) losses, etc.; and of basic and specialized firefighting equipment (fire alarm system operation, fire extinguishing equipment operation, etc.), techniques, and procedures.
  2. Knowledge of emergency first aid techniques; safety requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; and HAZMAT emergency response procedures, equipment, and identification.
  3. Knowledge of basic building design, construction, and occupancy; and of the latest changes in aircraft cockpit design, ordnance placement, and cabin layouts to include the operation of hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, and/or oxygen supply systems.
  4. Skill in detecting and recognizing fire hazards (potential and immediate), and operating communications equipment.
  5. Ability to maintain good working relations; communicate orally and in writing; and lift and carry heavy loads.
  6. Ability to provide leadership and integrate the actions of a crew under emergency conditions.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to establish a maximum entry age for the original appointment of individuals to the position of primary and rigorous firefighter. For initial appointments, applicants cannot have reached their 37th birthday by date of appointment. Individuals who are past the maximum entry age limit (37 years) and have prior Federal civilian firefighter experience covered by title 5 U.S.C. section 8336(c), need to upload their first Appointment SF50's into a GS-0081 position to verify if age waiver is still required or if that time can be subtracted from your current age and qualify for reentry without the age waiver.
Effective 1 Jun 00, all DoD firefighters and contract fire and emergency service personnel must be certified at the next higher level before being eligible for promotion to that level. Applicants must list their current firefighter related licenses and certificates on their resumes. Please attach copies of certifications when you submit the resume to verify qualification requirements for the position. Certification requirements for this position are: Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HAZMAT Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, Airport Firefighter (includes Firefighter I, II), Apparatus Driver Operator- Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator- Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator Aerial, Apparatus Driver Operator- Mobile Water Supply (MWS).
IMPORTANT: If you have received a Student ID# for the DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification Program website (https://go.usa.gov/xdsTR) please provide a copy of your most recent certification transcript. Note: If you do not know your Student ID, you may contact the AFCEC Reachback center at afcec.rbc@us.af.mil. If you do not have a Student ID and/or cannot access the Certificate Program site, you must upload a copy of your individual certifications or transcript at the time of your application or you will be removed from consideration.
Special Retirement Provisions Authority: FERS Position covered as rigorous under the FERS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8401(14), 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), and 5 CFR 842.802]. Position covered as rigorous under the CSRS special retirement provisions for Federal firefighters [5 U.S.C. 8331(21), 5 U.S.C. 8336(c), and 5 CFR 831.902].
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

Apply