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Entry Firefighter Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

City of Fairfax, VA

Fire Medic Underfill

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

Paramedics without firefighter certifications: These applicants shall possess a paramedic ... entry tools and other equipment carried on the apparatus as required. Responds to water and ice ...

City of Fairfax

Fire Medic Underfill

Fairfax, VA

$65K - $110K/yr

Paramedics without firefighter certifications: These applicants shall possess a paramedic ... entry tools and other equipment carried on the apparatus as required. Responds to water and ice ...

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All JobsEntry Firefighter JobsEntry Firefighter Jobs in Washington

Entry Firefighter information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$67.5K

$113.3K

How much do entry firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry firefighter in Washington is $67,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry firefighter?

Entry firefighters are individuals who have recently joined the fire service and typically hold entry-level positions within fire departments. Their main responsibilities include responding to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents, as well as performing tasks such as firefighting, rescue operations, and equipment maintenance. Entry firefighters often undergo rigorous training to learn fire suppression techniques, emergency medical procedures, and safety protocols. They work under the supervision of experienced firefighters and officers while gaining hands-on experience on the job. This role serves as the foundation for a career in fire service, with opportunities for advancement through additional training and experience.

How to get a job as an entry firefighter with no experience?

To become an entry-level firefighter with no experience, candidates should obtain the required certifications such as CPR and EMT, complete fire academy training, and demonstrate physical fitness. Volunteering or participating in fire department programs can also improve chances, as many departments value relevant skills and commitment during the hiring process.

What is the difference between Entry Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectEntry FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT certification often requiredMay require similar certifications, but sometimes less formal training
Work EnvironmentPaid, full-time or part-time fire stationsVolunteer stations, community-based
Employer & Industry UsagePaid fire departments, municipal agenciesVolunteer fire departments, community organizations

Entry Firefighters are paid professionals working full-time or part-time in fire departments, requiring formal certifications. Volunteer Firefighters are community-based, unpaid personnel who often have similar certifications but may have less extensive training. Both roles serve in fire suppression, but Entry Firefighters typically work in structured, paid environments, while Volunteer Firefighters serve in community-driven, unpaid capacities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an entry firefighter?

To thrive as an Entry Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by completion of a fire academy. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency medical systems, and certifications such as EMT are typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help firefighters respond effectively under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure rapid, coordinated, and safe responses to emergencies while protecting both the public and fellow firefighters.

What are common challenges new firefighters face during their first year on the job?

As an entry firefighter, you may find the first year both physically and mentally demanding. Common challenges include adapting to the rigorous shift schedules, mastering a wide range of emergency response protocols, and building trust within your team. You'll also need to quickly learn how to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining clear communication with colleagues and other emergency personnel. Over time, support from experienced firefighters and ongoing training will help you build confidence and develop essential skills.

Is 25 too late to be an entry firefighter?

Entry firefighter positions typically have minimum age requirements of 18 to 21 years old, so being 25 is not too late to start a career in firefighting. Many departments value maturity and life experience, and candidates often need to complete firefighter training and obtain certifications such as CPR and EMT before hiring.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Firefighter jobs in Washington? For Entry Firefighter jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Firefighter jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Firefighter jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Firefighter jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Firefighter job openings:
Entry Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Firefighter job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,510 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Supervisory Firefighter

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Fort Myer, VA

$102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date.
Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Secondary)Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience Statement: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Managing firefighting and fire protection operations to ensure emergency readiness and compliance with fire safety requirements; 2) Overseeing fire prevention, inspection, and safety programs to protect personnel and property; AND 3) Supervising firefighting by assigning work, evaluating performance, and identifying training needs. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
Selective Placement Factors: In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement above, applicants must also possess the following certificates certified through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board) in accordance with DoD 6055.06-M upon entry into this position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your certifications for verification.)
  • Fire Officer IV
  • Fire Instructor III
  • Fire Inspector II (or- the new NFPA 1030 Fire Inspector Course)
  • Hazardous Material Operations
  • Hazardous Material Incident Commander

Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA for Firefighters is 37. An employee originally hired into a covered position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37.
Maximum Reentry Age An employee who previously served on a covered position may be rehired past the MEA as long as he/she is able to complete 20 years of covered service by his/her mandatory retirement age. The maximum re-entry age for the individual is calculated by determining the total amount of time he/she has served on a covered position and subtracting that from age 57 if a firefighter. The employee's current age is compared to the calculated maximum re-entry age to determine if he/she can be rehired into the covered position.
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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