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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter Summary Title: Firefighter ID: 1210 Location: Cape Girardeau Department: 3030 - FIRE ... Testing Process The testing process consists of an entry-level written exam that includes material ...

Shifts Firefighters work on rotating 24-hour shifts for an average of 56 hours per week. Salary ... Testing Process The testing process consists of an entry-level written exam that includes material ...

Entry Level Firefighter information

See Missouri salary details

$26.7K

$55.9K

$93.8K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in Missouri is $55,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $64,700.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,911 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

$78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Firefighter
Summary
Title: Firefighter ID: 1210 Location: Cape Girardeau Department: 3030 - FIRE Salary Range: $52,131
More about this job >
Description

General Definition of Work

Performs work responsible for responding to fires and other emergency situations for the City of Cape Girardeau.

Essential Functions

Performs prevention activities designed to prevent incidents from occurring or reduce loss when an incident does occur; assists with the conduction of fire safety inspections; conducts public information and public education programs; assists with the investigation into the cause of incidents.

Performs preparation activities designed to prepare for the response to incidents in the most effective, efficient, safe and professional manner; maintains personal fitness and health; maintains job knowledge and skill; maintains apparatus and equipment in a state of readiness.

Performs response activities designed to ensure the handling of incidents in the most effective, efficient, safe and professional manner; responds to dispatched alarms without delay; operates apparatus and equipment at incidents within departmental policies, standard operating guidelines and command system; performs rescues; administers patient care per level of medical certification; performs fire suppression, incident mitigation and property and environment conservation activities.

Performs evaluation activities designed to evaluate and improve service delivery, as well as to maintain and improve public opinion; accurately completes any necessary records or reports; participates honestly in evaluations, reviews, post-incident analyses and investigations; offers input and suggestions regarding improvements to service delivery; maintains apparatus, equipment, stations and grounds in a presentable, clean fashion.

Performs at or above standards established by the department.

Adheres to policies and standard operating guidelines; helps to ensure that problems that arise are handled in a direct, timely and professional manner.

Responds off duty for staffing request during emergency recalls.

Helps maintain a level of cooperation, coordination and communication with chief officers, captains and each other to ensure the most effective, efficient, safe and professional delivery of services to the community as possible.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency is required.

Must possess and maintain certification as State of Missouri Emergency Medical Technician - Basic.

Must be certified State of Missouri Firefighter I & II (NFPA 1001) or equivalent.

State of Missouri certified Hazardous Materials awareness and operations or equivalent.

**Candidates are required to attach a current resume and copies of all relevant certifications**

Preferred Qualifications

Associates degree or higher in a related field.

Hold four (4) or more certifications from the department's List of Additional Certifications.

State of Missouri Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic.

Salary per year $52,131 (Based on 2912 hours annually including scheduled overtime and holiday pay). This position also includes a generous benefit package.

  • Bi-weekly pay periods.
  • 14 holiday hours per month - paid in Holiday (lump sum) check in November/December for the previous 12 months.
  • 191 hours of vacation - accrued throughout the year.
  • 168 hours of sick leave - accrued throughout the year.
  • 2 days of personal leave per fiscal year. Must be employed on July 1 of the fiscal year to receive.
  • City paid monthly premiums for health and dental insurance - Employee only.
  • City paid monthly life insurance for employee only (1 times annual salary up to $50,000).
  • Optional group term life insurance purchased at employee's expense.
  • Optional vision insurance purchased at employee's expense.
  • Voluntary deferred compensation plan - not matched by the City.
  • Retirement (LAGERS) paid by the City. Missouri LAGERS - A Secure Retirement for All (molagers.org).
  • Total compensation value (Hourly starting rate plus benefits value) for this position is $78,612 yearly.

Shifts

Firefighters work on rotating 24-hour shifts for an average of 56 hours per week.

Salary based on a yearly work schedule of 2,912 hours.

Testing Process

The testing process consists of an entry-level written exam that includes material designed to measure mechanical comprehension, spatial orientation, an understanding of illustrated materials, behavioral skills, basic arithmetic and reading and writing abilities. A physical agility test graded pass/fail that consists of a series of tests to determine the applicant's ability to perform critical physical tasks necessary for the position of firefighter and an oral interview designed to evaluate a candidate's experience, training and personal qualifications. Prior to employment, eligible applicants will be subject to a physical examination, drug screen, interviews and thorough background investigations. The physical and written exam is to be determined. Applicants will be notified of the next testing process.

Successful applicants will service in a one-year probationary period, which includes a supervised probationary study program. In addition, a probationary Firefighter will be required to obtain a Missouri CDL Class "B" within one year of date of hire. We do not have a residency requirement for our firefighters.

Before final appointment, successful applicant will be required to successfully complete a drug test, background investigation, pre-employment physical and psychiatric evaluation.

The City of Cape Girardeau reserves the right to notify only those individuals selected for an interview as to their status of their application for employment. EOE/ADA/M/F/V

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