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Entry Level Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

South County Fire

Entry Level Firefighter EMT

Everett, WA · On-site

$99K - $124K/yr

The Firefighter EMT shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate performance. Optimum performance is achieved based on the Firefighter's ability to adequately perform all ...

Chugachmiut

Entry Level Crewmember

Kenai, AK · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

The incumbent serves as a first-year entry-level firefighter on the project squad with an opportunity to obtain red card through online or in person training. Once red card is obtained, may be asked ...

Chugachmiut

Entry Level Crewmember

Kenai, AK · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

The incumbent serves as a first-year entry-level firefighter on the project squad with an opportunity to obtain red card through online or in person training. Once red card is obtained, may be asked ...

City of Costa Mesa

Firefighter Paramedic

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$7.2K - $9.7K/mo

Applicant should transfer a FireTeam entry-level firefighter examination test score dated between August 1, 2025, and August 29, 2026, to the City of Costa Mesa or apply with the National Testing ...

City of Toledo

Firefighter

Toledo, OH · On-site

$59K - $84K/yr

You must complete the online application, entry level (NTN) exam, between August 6, 2026 and ... The Firefighter Mile (FFM) is a physical ability test for firefighters. It is designed to evaluate ...

City of Toledo, OH

Firefighter

Toledo, OH · On-site

$59K - $84K/yr

You must complete the online application, entry level (NTN) exam, between August 6, 2026 and ... The Firefighter Mile (FFM) is a physical ability test for firefighters. It is designed to evaluate ...

City of Portage

Firefighter

Portage, MI · On-site

$58K/yr

The entry-level firefighter exam will be held Wednesday, September 16th, at 6:00 P.M. This exam will be by invitation only. The last day to register for the written exam is Monday, September 14, or ...

City of Santa Barbara

Firefighter - Entry

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$84K - $102K/yr

Firefighter Entry Level: $84,276 - $102,438 Annually Firefighter: (After successful completion of 10-week Firefighter Academy) $93,640 - $113,821 Annually Incentive pay opportunities include CA EMT-D ...

City of Portage

Firefighter

Portage, MI · On-site

$58K/yr

The entry-level firefighter exam will be held Wednesday, September 16th, at 6:00 P.M. This exam will be by invitation only. The last day to register for the written exam is Monday, September 14, or ...

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Entry Level Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do entry level firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

More about Entry Level Firefighter jobs

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Cities with the most Entry Level Firefighter job openings:

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The most popular types of Firefighter jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Firefighter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Firefighter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Firefighter jobs are:

Entry Level Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Entry Level Firefighter EMT

South County Fire

Everett, WA • On-site

$99K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Salary : $99,267.60 - $124,084.56 Annually
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00196
Department: Operations
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/2/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
Core Values: All employees of South County Fire are expected to hold themselves accountable for upholding and demonstrating our core values at all times: Integrity, Humility, Compassion, Family and Trust.
Summary: This company-level position performs emergency and non-emergency services including fire suppression, basic life support (BLS) emergency medical services, execution of training drills, inspection and maintenance of fire equipment and high value apparatus, safety and enhancing morale through leadership by example. The Firefighter EMT shall report to and is responsible to the Captain, who will evaluate performance. Optimum performance is achieved based on the Firefighter's ability to adequately perform all facets of the job duties and responsibilities. The shift Firefighter shall work an assigned shift schedule in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Essential Job Functions
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Participates in training activities, pre-fire planning, inspections, and other company programs that enhance a high state of readiness to respond to all emergency situations. Participation in specialized areas of fire service responsibility such as hazardous materials training, facility and equipment maintenance, and rescue techniques and capability is also required.
  • Communicates with a culturally diverse community in a tactful and effective manner under emergency stress or property-/life-threatening situations. This may involve managing individuals in a highly agitated state.
  • Rides in and/or drives department apparatus, as required.
  • Attends all meetings and training sessions, as required by local, state, and contractual requirements.
  • Delivers/administers Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency medical services and transportation to injured and ill patients in accordance with local, state, and nationally recognized standards.
  • Performs fire suppression activities and tasks including pump operations, ladder operations, salvage duties, raising and climbing ladders, removing persons from danger; uses chemical extinguishing agents and other tools and equipment as required.
  • Assists in extricating trapped victims or moving obstacles in order to obtain access to patients.
  • Pursues on-going career development and educational advancement to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to responsibilities.

Other Job Duties:
  • May be provisionally appointed as acting Captain on a voluntary basis when minimum time in grade and requirements are fulfilled.
  • Other duties as assigned within the scope of this job description.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Qualifications:
Knowledge Of:
  • Modern firefighting principles, practices, techniques, equipment and procedures and EMS.
  • Geographical area.
  • Operation and maintenance procedures of fire department apparatus and equipment.
  • Departmental standard operating procedures.
  • South County EMS protocols, procedures and checklists.
  • Rescue and hazardous materials response procedures.
  • Training methods, procedures and material resources.
Skills and Ability To:
  • Perform all duties of a firefighter.
  • Perform as an EMT in Snohomish County.
  • Perform as a pump operator and/or ladder company operator (only if fully trained in accordance with standards).
  • Adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action during emergency operations with due regard to surrounding hazards, circumstances and safety.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel and the public.
  • Demonstrate predictable, reliable and timely attendance.
  • Follow written and verbal directions and complete assigned tasks on schedule.
  • Read, write and communicate in English and understand basic math.
  • Maintain good physical conditioning and have the ability to carry out physically demanding tasks under dangerous and stressful conditions.
  • Interact effectively with individuals and groups to achieve cooperation and support of departmental services, goals and objectives.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in South County Fire software programs, including Microsoft Office applications and other programs as applicable.
  • Operate all fire-based apparatus and equipment, and operations level hazardous materials equipment, rescue equipment and BLS EMS equipment.
  • Maintain and project a calm, informational and persuasive demeanor in stressful situations.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Effectively handle frequently changing priorities.
  • Maintain confidential information as appropriate.

Education and Experience: As outlined in the current applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Special Requirements/Recommendations:
  • Maintain a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and the RFA approved defensive driving certificate.
  • Participation in the South County Fire Respiratory Protection Program.
  • Prior to Final Offer: Firefighter Mile results from National Testing Network scheduled through South County Fire during the Conditional Offer phase.
Required:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Valid National Registry and/or Washington State EMT Certification.
Desirable:
  • IFSAC Firefighter I and II and HazMat Operations certification.

Physical Demands: Must maintain physical condition, ability, agility and stamina to act in emergency, heavy physical labor, life-threatening, fire, accident and disaster situations. Must be able to climb and descend ladders, crawl into tight confined spaces, lift and carry heavy objects in excess of 150 pounds, bend at the waist, kneel, crouch, crawl, and stoop, sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time and reach overhead. Individual must possess acceptable auditory and visual senses to meet the requirements of the position. Individual must be dexterous with their hands and fingers to operate various emergency tools and equipment and psychologically able to function within reduced visibility and restricted environments. Individual is required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective equipment weighing up to 60+ pounds and be able to pull hose to suppress fires and use ropes and pulleys to rescue victims.
Working Conditions: This position requires individual to work in adverse weather conditions, and work in indoor and outdoor environments, and at heights and below grade. Individual will be exposed to cold, heat, fire, smoke, high-decibel noise, falling debris, toxic material, blood and blood-borne pathogens. Individual will work around and with machinery having moving parts, traffic hazards, and rides in and/or drives department apparatus as required. Individual must be able to operate a computer, related software, printer, fax machine, copier, telephone, pager, EMS and fire equipment, radio and other electronic communication devices. Individual may be required to travel to meetings, seminars and conferences.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Additional Requirements
The following requirements must be met, or you will not move forward in the hiring process.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
  • High school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Applicants are required to complete the Firefighter written exam through Public Safety Testing (PST) before applying. We will accept score from February 2026 - September 2nd, 2026 for this hiring process.
  • National Registry or Washington State certified EMT*.
  • All new hire firefighters are required to participate in the Respiratory Protection Program.

Required Documents:
The following documents must be attached to your electronic application. Applicants who do not include these items exactly as described will be disqualified:
  • Current resume.
  • Current EMT certification**. Your certification must meet these requirements:
    • National Registry or Washington State (Department of Health) EMT Certification only.
      • We do not accept out-of-state certifications.
      • We do not accept any other BLS, first aid, or other certifications or courses, including Red Cross.
    • Documents clearly showing your name, issuing agency, and expiration date. Documents without an expiration date or with dates that are expired are not acceptable. *If you are not currently certified, but in the process of becoming certified with National Registry EMT or Washington State Department of Health, you will be required to provide certification via email prior to application deadline or you will be disqualified.
  • If claiming Veterans Preference: Attach copy of DD 214 form.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications.
  • IFSAC HazMat Operations certificate.
* Sample of NREMT document requirement.
* Sample of WA DOH document requirement.
South County Fire provides a generous benefit package to our Represented Members.
  • Vacation Accrual - 14 hours per month
  • Sick Leave Accrual - 168 hours upon hire, then 14 hours per month after 12 months
  • Holiday Pay or Holiday Time
  • Medical, Vision and Pharmacy Coverage (All premiums paid by employer)
  • Healthcare Reimbursement Account (VEBA HRA) - $2,000 for Employee or $4,000 for Employee + Dependents (Paid by employer)
  • Dental Coverage (Premium paid by employer)
  • WCIF Life Insurance - $48,000 policy (Paid by employer)
  • Provident Life and AD&D - $175,000 policy (Paid by employer)
  • WA State Department of Retirement Systems - LEOFF 2
  • Employee Assistance Plan (Paid by employer)
  • Deferred Compensation Program - employer automatic contribution of 5.75%
  • Short Term Disability (Paid by employer)
  • Long Term Disability, Life Insurance and AD&D (Required - paid by the employee)
Voluntary Benefits offered:
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Assistance
  • Qualified Transportation Plans
  • AFLAC
  • Legal Shield

01
Are you at least 18 years of age at the time of application?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a high school diploma, GED or a college transcript?
  • High School
  • GED
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters
  • College in progress

04
Do you possess a current National Registry or Washington State EMT certification?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Have you served in the military?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you have served in the military, do you wish to claim Veterans Preference?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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