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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Firefighter information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$34.9K

$73K

$122.4K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in Berkeley, CA is $72,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $84,500.00 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.
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The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

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For Entry Level Firefighter jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Firefighter jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:

Entry Level Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,984 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Firefighter-Paramedic (Entry Level)

GovernmentJobs.com

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$109K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Firefighter-Paramedic

The City of San Rafael invites applicants for Firefighter-Paramedic. Annual salary for entry-level candidates is $109,223 - $130,211 (*eligible for up to 7.5% incentive pay after probationary year plus $200 per month Bi-Lingual Pay). All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications noted below will be invited to an Oral Board interview.

About the Department

The San Rafael Fire Department is an all-risk fire agency that includes 69 operational firefighters trained in the areas of firefighting, Advanced Life Support (ALS) response, ambulance transport, technical rescue, hazardous material response, disaster response, fire prevention, and community preparedness. We constantly strive to provide the highest level and most capable emergency service delivery possible to our community; a service that is professional, compassionate, predictable, consistent, and sustainable.

We are looking for individuals whose values align with our departmental commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, equality, and fairness.

To schedule a station visit, phone or video call with active-duty personnel, e-mail Fire.Department@cityofsanrafael.org and provide your name and a contact phone number.

Come join our extraordinary team!

Ideal Candidate

The Firefighter-Paramedic protects life, property, and the environment by performing firefighting activities, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention duties. The position is also responsible for maintaining fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities.

The Department seeks individuals whose values align with our departmental commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, equality, and fairness. Our six San Rafael neighborhood fire stations deliver exceptionally courteous, compassionate, and professional public service. Our firefighters are committed to helping their community and their fellow firefighters. Our workforce is diverse and continuously strives to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our department supports a behavioral health program consisting of IAFF trained Peer Support members, as well as members trained in critical incident stress management. The culture established by our personnel is cited as a key contributor to what makes the San Rafael Fire Department a great place to work. With over half of our line personnel having been hired within the past decade, there is a major focus on physical fitness, training, health and wellness, and an overall excitement about learning the art and trades of firefighting and emergency medicine.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have a high school diploma AND a minimum of 21 semester units of college coursework.
  • The following documents should be attached to your application as ONE PDF file. If you are still in the process of obtaining a Firefighter I or Paramedic License you will be asked to provide a status update prior to full background:
  • CPAT card dated on or after November 1, 2022. To register for an upcoming exam, visit https://www.fctconline.org/.
  • Completion of CA State Board of Fire Services Firefighter I curriculum or ability to obtain prior to appointment (expected initial appointments by February 16, 2024)
  • Valid California Paramedic License (or equivalent) or ability to obtain prior to appointment (expected initial appointments by February 16, 2024).

Benefits

The City of San Rafael offers an attractive compensation and benefits program, including participation in the Marin County Employees' Retirement (MCERA) pension program, tiered contributions towards CalPERS health insurance, matching Retiree Health Savings (RHS) contributions, fully paid Dental coverage and Uniform Allowance.

Please review the attached job bulletin for benefit information. You can also review our benefits summary and the San Rafael Firefighters' Association MOU for more information.

Save the Dates:

  • Candidate Orientation (Virtual) – Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
  • Candidate Orientation (In Person) – Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Located at the Public Safety Center, 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael.
  • First Round Interviews: 1st week in January 2024
  • Chief's Interviews: January 8-10, 2024
  • Tentative Start Date: February 16, 2024

Apply