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

Entry Level Firefighter information

See Rialto, CA salary details

$28.6K

$59.8K

$100.3K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in Rialto, CA is $59,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $69,200.00 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 are entry level firefighters?

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 some common challenges faced by entry level firefighters during their first year on the job?

Entry level firefighters often encounter several challenges in their first year, including adapting to the physically demanding nature of the job and learning to operate under high-pressure emergency situations. They must quickly become proficient with complex equipment and procedures, all while integrating into a close-knit team environment. Additionally, new firefighters may find it challenging to manage unpredictable shift schedules and balance work with personal life. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training are key to overcoming these initial hurdles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Rialto, CA? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Rialto, CA are:
What cities near Rialto, CA are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter jobs? Cities near Rialto, CA with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in Rialto, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,772 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Firefighter/Paramedic

$124K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION Attention Applicants: Failure to thoroughly read the entire job posting may result in disqualification; ensure compliance with all document requirements. Important Applicant Notice: Entry-Level Applicants (No Fire Department Experience): You must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL)on 07/08/2026 to be eligible to apply. For information on how to apply for the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, please visit https://www.fctconline.org/ Lateral Applicants (Current or Former Fire Department Experience): You are not required to be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) to be eligible to apply

Lateral Applicant Eligibility: A Lateral applicant is an individual with current or former full-time paid professional fire department experience, consisting of at least one year of service, who has successfully completed their probationary period with a fire department. Both Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighter Paramedic hires will complete a short department orientation program upon hire in lieu of a traditional recruit academy. Chino Valley Fire District is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Paramedic.

Our Mission is to provide exceptional service while safeguarding the community. As an organization, we do this by hiring employees who seek excellence in everything they do, remain accountable, value the public's trust above all, and continuously seek improvement. We aim for our culture to match our Values of Faithfulness, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.

We welcome you to begin the first steps of joining our fire family with this application process. Chino Valley Fire District is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Responds to emergency and routine alarms as part of a firefighting team, lays hose, sets ladders, ventilates buildings, and performs salvage/overhaul functions Provides basic and advanced life support services to ill and injured persons in accordance with policies and protocols Compiles necessary reports Attends all workshops and continuing education classes required to maintain Paramedic certification Performs routine maintenance of assigned station, apparatus, and related equipment Assists in fire safety inspections of buildings for adherence to regulations or in emergency pre-planning activities Participates in scheduled drills and training activities Performs other related duties Chino Valley Professional Firefighters MOU Firefighter Paramedic Job Description The salary listed in this job posting reflects the 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2026.

The Job Description linked above displays salary rates prior to the COLA increase and may show lower amounts. QUALIFICATIONS At the time of application, applicants must attach: Successful completion of an accredited California State Fire Academy or a Firefighter I certificate issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, or a verifiable out-of-state equivalent State of California Paramedic License or Nationally Registered Paramedic Certificate (formerly NREMT-P) Proof of American Heart Association ACLS and BLS certifications Proof of San Bernardino County Paramedic Accreditation (ICEMA) (District will sponsor successful candidates to meet ICEMA requirements) REQUIREMENTS: Must be 18 years of age or older High school graduate/GED equivalent Possession and satisfactory maintenance of a valid Class C driver's license, or officially recognized equivalent. Entry-Level Applicants (No Fire Department Experience): You are required to be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 07/08/26 to be eligible to apply.

Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card must be dated between 07/08/25 and 07/08/26. A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated between 07/08/25 and 07/08/26. To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here (https://www.fctconline.org/testingschedules/)

Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for their FCTC testing fees. (https://www.fctconline.org/financialaid/) CPAT completed between 07/08/25 - 07/08/26 (required) Lateral Applicants (Current or Former Fire Department Experience): You are not required to be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) to be eligible to apply. Biddle Certification is also accepted for lateral applicants only

For laterals, a CPAT or BIDDLE Card must be obtained prior to appointment. APPLICATION PROCESS Failure to provide required documentation will result in disqualification from the selection process. Applicants are required to keep the District informed of any change in contact information.

All information provided by the applicant will be subject to verification and investigation, which may cover the employment record and character of the applicant. Applicants are also expected to review and be in compliance with the District's Grooming Standard. SELECTION PROCESS Recruitment Timeline Week of July 27, 2026: Firefighter Paramedic Testing Early August: Background Investigation & Pre-Employment Process(may extend through September 7, if needed) Mid to Late September: New Hire Orientation Late September: Badge Pinning Ceremony Please note: Dates are subject to change based on operational needs.

May include the following: Application Appraisal, Written Examination, Practical Examination, Panel Interview, Background Investigation, Reference Check, and Physical Examination including Drug Screen. Applications received during the open recruitment period will be screened for conformance with the minimum required qualifications listed above. Those applications not meeting the position's minimum requirements or lacking copies of all required certifications will be rejected.

All statements made on an employment application are subject to verification *Due to the high amounts of applications the District has to process, failure to provide the required documentation will automatically result in disqualification from the selection process.