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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Entry Level Firefighter information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$29.5K

$61.6K

$103.4K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in Silver Spring, MD is $61,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $71,300.00 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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Entry Level Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Firefighter jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Firefighter jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,620 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Emergency Vehicle Technician I

City of Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary: $63,008.00 - $100,633.00 Annually
Location : 3410 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-84
Department: Public Works
Division: Fleet Maintenance & Equipment
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Why Join the City of Fairfax?
-Competitive salary and benefits package
-Work with a dedicated team maintaining critical public transportation assets
-Ongoing training and certification support
-A workplace that values teamwork, safety, and innovation
Benefits:
-$2,000 bonus (Class A CDL) or $1,000 (CDL permit).
-Annual Tool allowance.
-Excellent health, dual - retirement, and leave benefits
Non-competitive promotion potential to Emergency Vehicle Tech II, III and IV upon completion of requirements under skill-based pay system.
Emergency Tech I - Full Range $63,008 - $100,633
Emergency Tech II - Full Range $66,158 - $105,667
Emergency Tech III - Full Range $69,465- $110,952
Emergency Tech IV - Full Range $72,938 - $116,497
This is entry level skill position that completes minor mechanical repair work on light/medium/heavy fire apparatus, ambulances, special operations fire fleet vehicles and equipment.
Performs work with maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and replacement of machinery and equipment for the Fire Department fleet; does related work as required. Repairs, maintains, services, or alters special purpose equipment mounted on or associated with fire department vehicles. Special equipment is inclusive of fire pumps, aerials, valves, generators, command zone etc.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fleet Operations Manager. Assignments are received from the Fleet Services Operations Manager in the form of repair orders, employees work under general supervision using independent judgment in diagnosis and repair. Work is subject to inspection while in progress and upon completion. After hours On-Call Rotation is required.
On an as needed support; maintenance, mechanical repair, fabrication, new setup, and surplus decommission of a variety of med-heavy duty fleet and equipment including special operations vehicles and equipment, refuse collection trucks, transit buses, leaf trucks, snow equipment, sewer equipment, trailers, hybrid vehicles, and other gasoline and diesel-powered heavy-duty and specialized equipment.
Examples Of Duties
Preventive Maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing fire department vehicles and equipment including ladder trucks, pumpers, engines, ambulances, staff vehicles and varied firefighting equipment.
Ensuring compliance of equipment and maintenance operations with all applicable standards, policies and procedures.
Inspecting, testing, and diagnosing various systems and components including both gasoline and diesel engines, ignition, computerized engine controls, cooling, charging, emissions, fuel, fire pumps, aerial apparatus and mandated NFPA pump testing.
Coordinating and monitoring and inspecting work performed by outside service providers; testing vehicles and equipment to ensure readiness for use.
Responding to emergency breakdowns and performing off-site repairs.
Understanding and interpreting blueprints, shop drawings, and maintenance manuals.
Repair, adjust, alter, and service all mechanically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically operated auxiliary equipment mounted on or associated with vehicles, aerial platforms, pumps, compressors, and ladder assemblies.
Repair, adjust, and alter pumps inclusive of Hale and Waterous.
Perform major and minor repairs to heavy-duty diesel engines, pneumatic suspension systems, heavy-duty automatic transmissions, fuel injectors, mechanical engine governors, air brake system, transmission components, driveline, and other specialized chassis components.
Repair, service, and maintain air conditioning and heating units, door controls, interior lighting, and other mechanically, hydraulically, electrically, or pneumatically operated coach systems.
Use electric arc or acetylene welding outfits or machine shop equipment to cut, heat, braze, weld, or fashion equipment parts, brackets, or braces which may be required to complete a repair.
Assisting in the development of maintenance and preventative maintenance procedures.
Participating in the specification and design of fire department vehicles.
Performs automotive repairs in an open bay, in a dusty, dirty environment where exhaust fumes are often present and where temperatures may become very hot or very cold depending on the weather.
Uses various computers and scan tools to diagnose equipment as well as DVOM's and DSO with special leads and amp clamps.
Operates saws, drill presses, hydraulic presses, valve grinding machines, and other related automotive machinery.
Assist with compliance inspections on aerial devices.
Performs seasonal inspection and repairs to leaf collection and snow equipment.
Performs repairs on fuel site equipment.
Performs repairs and fabricates shop equipment and tools.
Maintains OSHA compliance in assigned bay.
Performs minor welding and some major welding tasks.
Operates various types of shop equipment, machinery, precision instruments, specialized tools, micrometers, dial gauges, pressure gauges, power saws, drills, grinders, tire changing, plasma cutter, torches, welder, press, pullers, vacuum machine, etc.
Attends safety training.
Verifies newly purchased light and heavy-duty fire vehicles to ensure they meet city specifications, install decals and other equipment.
Make emergency road repairs and service calls as necessary.
Required to be on call to respond to vehicle or city emergencies.
Will be required to work overtime with little or no notice as needed.
Keeps bay, toolbox, and workstation neat and clean, removing trash daily.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience equivalent graduation from high school and extensive experience in the repair and maintenance of fire department vehicles, medium duty/mechanical repair/maintenance & diagnostics and vehicle/equipment operation; supplemented with three years previous experience and/or training that includes technicians or medium duty/mechanical maintenance, medium duty/mechanical diagnostics, fire department vehicle repairs and vehicle/equipment operations.
Must meet Skill Base Pay requirements for Fleet Technician I.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and techniques used in the repair and maintenance of automotive, construction, and maintenance vehicles and equipment and specialized equipment including gasoline and diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and air systems.
Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions, including administrative regulations, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to interpret and work from service manuals, specifications, and diagrams using hardback copies and using computer resources.
Ability to maintain necessary repair records, work effectively on cloud base asset management databases for electronic work orders and other various applications.
Skill in the use and operation of tools and machinery used in fleet repair work.
Ability to test drive vehicles and equipment.
Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to adapt to new technologies.
Ability to be a proactive self-starter.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
Must possess a valid class A commercial driver's license with N, P, and air brakes endorsements within six months of employment. Must have a satisfactory driving record that meets the City of Fairfax's policy standards.
Must obtain the following certifications within 12 months of employment:
  1. ASE xEV Level 1 certification
  2. ASE 609 Refrigerant and Recovery

Maintains meets requirement evaluation in all areas.
Able to perform minor fabrication.
Must furnish complete set of own hand tools.
Must be able to work 60% unassisted.
Supplemental Information
Selected candidates with an active CDL will receive a $2,000 bonus upon hire. (Paid per pay period, 26 pay periods per year).
Selected candidates with an active CDL learner's permit will receive a $1,000 bonus upon hire. (Paid per pay period, 26 pay periods per year).
Work Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm, with occasional overtime and rotating on-call for afterhours needs.
Non-competitive promotion potential to Emergency Vehicle Tech II, III and IV upon completion of requirements under skill-based pay system.
Emergency Tech I - Full Range $63,008 - $100,633
Emergency Tech II - Full Range $66,158 - $105,667
Emergency Tech III - Full Range $69,465- $110,952
Emergency Tech IV - Full Range $72,938 - $116,497