ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fire Academy Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

All JobsFire Academy Instructor JobsFire Academy Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Fire Academy Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.8K

$59K

$110.2K

How much do fire academy instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire academy instructor in Chicago, IL is $58,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $78,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fire Academy Instructors during training sessions?

Fire Academy Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse trainee skill levels, ensuring safety during live-fire exercises, and adapting teaching methods to different learning styles. Maintaining engagement in both classroom and hands-on settings can also be demanding, especially when covering complex or repetitive material. Instructors must be prepared to provide real-time feedback, address safety concerns promptly, and foster a collaborative environment to help recruits build confidence and competence.

What is the difference between Fire Academy Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFire Academy InstructorFirefighter
Required CredentialsFirefighter certification, instructor certification, possibly EMT/paramedicFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, fire academiesFire scenes, emergency calls, fire stations
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, training academiesFire departments, emergency services

Fire Academy Instructors primarily focus on training future firefighters in classrooms and practical drills, requiring teaching credentials and certifications. Firefighters respond to emergencies and perform firefighting duties in the field. While both roles require fire certifications, instructors emphasize education and training, whereas firefighters focus on emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Academy Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Academy Instructor, you need extensive firefighting experience, instructor certification (such as NFPA Fire Instructor I/II), and strong knowledge of fire science and emergency procedures. Familiarity with training equipment, simulation tools, and learning management systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities help motivate and guide trainees effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, up-to-date instruction and preparing recruits for the demands of real-world emergency response.

What are Fire Academy Instructors?

Fire Academy Instructors are experienced firefighters or fire service professionals who teach and train new recruits or current firefighters at fire academies. They are responsible for delivering classroom instruction, leading hands-on training exercises, and ensuring that students understand fire safety, emergency procedures, equipment use, and firefighting techniques. Fire Academy Instructors play a critical role in preparing individuals for the demands of firefighting and ensuring their readiness to respond to emergencies safely and effectively.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Academy Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Fire Academy Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Academy Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Academy Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fire Academy Instructor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fire Academy Instructor job openings:
Fire Academy Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Academy Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,974 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Harper College

Palatine, IL

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Educational Requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Fire Service Instructor II certification, or an equivalent Instructor II certification issued by another state fire marshal or recognized authority, is required.
  • Certification in the specific course(s) evaluated, as issued or recognized by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) or an equivalent state agency, is required.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional experience are required.

Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience working in the fire service field.
  • Experience conducting or evaluating fire and emergency services training programs.
  • Experience teaching fire service courses and evaluating student performance in fire skills training preferred.

Other Requirements:

  • Must maintain all required OSFM certifications.
  • Ability to wear firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) and operate safely in training environments following NFPA 1403 and 1010 guidelines.
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Contingent, part-time position. Work schedule varies by semester based on Fire Academy training needs. May include daytime, evening, or weekend hours depending on scheduled skill evaluations.

The Fire Science Technology Department within Harper College's Career and Technical Programs provides education and certification pathways that prepare students for careers in the fire service. Programs integrate academic knowledge with hands-on technical training to meet Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) standards and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) performance criteria.

Duties of Position:

The Fire Science Skills Evaluator is responsible for supervising and evaluating student performance during practical skill sessions and examinations within the Fire Science Technology program, including the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy. The evaluator works under the direction of the Lead Instructor and supports the Lead Instructor in facilitating and assessing course skill components to ensure compliance with established standards and safety protocols.

Responsibilities include:

  • Administering and evaluating live skill assessments for OSFM and NFPA aligned courses such as Basic Operations Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Advanced Technician Firefighter, Rope Operations, and others.
  • Ensuring all training and evaluation activities meet NFPA 1403, OSFM, and Harper College safety standards.
  • Providing clear feedback and performance documentation for student skill demonstration sand evaluations.
  • Assisting with setup and breakdown of training props and equipment.
  • Collaborating with instructors and academy staff to ensure consistency in evaluation criteria and student support.
  • Maintaining accurate records of skill completion and attendance in accordance with department and OSFM guidelines.
  • Serving as a professional role model for students, reinforcing the importance of safety, teamwork, and professionalism in the fire service.

What Harper College employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply