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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Michelin

Instrumentation Technician ASRC

Louisville, KY · On-site

$41.27/hr

... pass entry level skills assessment in the craft relevant to the open position * Must be able to ... Ability to join our Emergency Response Team w/Firefighter Credentials * Deferred Compensation ...

Michelin

Instrumentation Technician ASRC

Louisville, KY · On-site

$41.27/hr

... pass entry level skills assessment in the craft relevant to the open position * Must be able to ... Ability to join our Emergency Response Team w/Firefighter Credentials * Deferred Compensation ...

Michelin

Pipefitter/Welder

Louisville, KY

$41.27/hr

... pass entry level skills assessment in the craft relevant to the open position * Must be able to ... Ability to join our Emergency Response Team w/Firefighter Credentials * Deferred Compensation ...

Michelin

Pipefitter/Welder

Louisville, KY · On-site

$41.27/hr

... pass entry level skills assessment in the craft relevant to the open position * Must be able to ... Ability to join our Emergency Response Team w/Firefighter Credentials * Deferred Compensation ...

All JobsFirefighter JobsEntry Level Firefighter JobsEntry Level Firefighter Jobs in Kentucky

Entry Level Firefighter information

See Kentucky salary details

$24.8K

$51.8K

$86.9K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in Kentucky is $51,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $59,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Firefighter vs Firefighter Trainee?

AspectEntry Level FirefighterFirefighter Trainee
Required CertificationsCPR, EMT, Firefighter 1 certificationTypically in training, may have basic certifications
Work EnvironmentActive firefighting, emergency responseTraining environment, supervised drills
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire academies, training programs

Entry Level Firefighters are fully qualified to respond to emergencies and perform firefighting duties, while Firefighter Trainees are in training, gaining necessary certifications and experience before becoming full firefighters.

What is an entry level firefighter?

Entry level firefighters are individuals who have recently been hired or are beginning their careers in fire services, typically after completing required training and certifications. They are responsible for responding to emergency calls, extinguishing fires, rescuing people, and providing first aid. Entry level firefighters also participate in fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and continuous training to improve their skills. Their duties are often supervised by more experienced firefighters or officers as they gain experience on the job.

What does an entry level firefighter do?

As an entry-level firefighter, your responsibilities are to suppress fires and respond to emergency calls as part of a fire brigade or company. You also have numerous duties in the firehouse, such as inspecting and maintaining equipment, cleaning, and completing administrative tasks. The term firefighter typically denotes the lowest rank in a company, and this rank is often divided into several categories to indicate your level of experience. As a firefighter, you take orders from your superiors, such as the driver or engineer, lieutenant, and captain of the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Firefighter, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, basic emergency response knowledge, and successful completion of fire academy training. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, firefighting equipment, and CPR or EMT certifications are typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills. These abilities are essential to effectively respond to emergencies, ensure public safety, and work cohesively within firefighting teams.
More about Entry Level Firefighter jobs
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Entry Level Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,770 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lateral Transfer Firefighter

GovernmentJobs.com

Owensboro, KY • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Entry Level Firefighter

This is a Full-Time position, generally working 7:00am - 7:00pm per designated shift (i.e., 24 hours on, 48 hours off). Designated work hours are subject to change on a permanent or temporary basis and include working First Shift, Second Shift, Third Shift, Weekends, and Holidays.

Applications are accepted year-round for this position. However, the City will only review and consider applications as vacancies occur. City holds entry-level Firefighter recruitments on an annual basis.

This job reports to the Captain or Lieutenant, as assigned, or as otherwise designated by management. Relocation is not provided.

INTERESTED LATERAL TRANSFER APPLICANTS ONLY: We are currently accepting applications for lateral transfers for ENTRY LEVEL FIREFIGHTER. PLEASE READ THE BELOW INFORMATION BEFORE APPLYING TO ENSURE THAT YOU MEET OUR REQUIREMENTS.

Job Skills/Requirements

The City of Owensboro, at its discretion, may accept lateral transfers of Firefighters from other agencies at any time, as long as such persons meet the following criteria. Such persons are not required to participate in the competitive testing process.

Examples of Duties

Performs as member of the Owensboro Fire Department to ensure quality performance in saving lives, property, conservation, extinguishing fires, and responding to medical and other emergencies.

Typical Qualifications

Lateral transfers shall be limited to Firefighters who have successfully completed and maintained the following training and certifications:

  • IFSAC Firefighter I,
  • IFSAC Firefighter II,
  • IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness,
  • IFSAC Hazardous Materials Operations,
  • NREMT-Basic and/or ability to reciprocate with Kentucky Board of EMS for EMT-Basic certification,

Candidates for lateral transfer must have at least two (2) consecutive years full-time paid Firefighter experience.

Current CPAT cards are required at the time of hire for out-of-state applicants, and for in-state applicants that are not members of a fire department that participates in the incentive program. A successful out-of-state applicant is required to convert training to Kentucky State Fire Rescue Training and Kentucky Board of EMS requirements.

Supplemental Information

If considered, and/or if offered a position, prior to hire, lateral transfers shall satisfactorily complete the following, but not limited to:

Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to, polygraph, criminal, employment and personal references, motor vehicle record

Oral interview

Post-offer, pre-employment drug screen, physical exam, psychological evaluation, and any other necessary medical evaluations/screenings must be satisfactorily completed.

EXCELLENT PAY AND BENEFITS. The City of Owensboro offers a competitive base wage and benefit package, as well as participates in the State of Kentucky Firefighter Training Incentive program that currently stands at $4,562 per year.

Provided benefits include but are not limited to: Health Insurance Group Life Insurance Wellness Program Retirement Paid time off includes, but is not limited to: Vacation Sick Time Holidays (for eligible employees) Benefits are subject to change.

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