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Fire Engine Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SF Fire Credit Union

Financial Analyst

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... SF Fire Credit Union first opened its doors from a modest 10' x 15' office space in 17 Engine. It ... Collaborate with business unit leaders across the organization to understand the key drivers behind ...

SF Fire Credit Union

Financial Analyst

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... SF Fire Credit Union first opened its doors from a modest 10′ × 15′ office space in 17 Engine ... Collaborate with business unit leaders across the organization to understand the key drivers behind ...

DataBP

Firefighter Reserve

Temecula, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Participates in all aspects of fire department activities to include fire suppression, hose ... Provides emergency medical care as a firefighter of an engine company. * Performs any and all ...

DataBP

Firefighter Reserve

Temecula, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Participates in all aspects of fire department activities to include fire suppression, hose ... Provides emergency medical care as a firefighter of an engine company. * Performs any and all ...

Keolis America

Mechanic A - OCTA Irvine

Irvine, CA

$40.35/hr

High school diploma or GED and valid California CDL (Commercial Driver's License) with Passenger ... engine, interior/exterior lighting, gauges and controls, safety equipment, fire suppression system ...

Keolis America

Mechanic B - OCTA (Irvine)

Irvine, CA

$35.62/hr

High school diploma or GED and valid California CDL (Commercial Driver's License) with Passenger ... engine, interior/exterior lighting, gauges and controls, safety equipment, fire suppression system ...

Keolis Transit America

Mechanic A

Pomona, CA

$44.85/hr

... engine, interior/exterior lighting, gauges and controls, safety equipment, fire suppression system ... Operators/Drivers may work inside or outside vehicles and may operate vehicles for over 8 hours per ...

Keolis North America, Inc.

Mechanic A

Pomona, CA · On-site

$44.85/hr

... engine, interior/exterior lighting, gauges and controls, safety equipment, fire suppression system ... Operators/Drivers may work inside or outside vehicles and may operate vehicles for over 8 hours per ...

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All JobsFire Engine Driver JobsFire Engine Driver Jobs in California

Fire Engine Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$25

$48

How much do fire engine driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire engine driver in California is $25.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.95 and $30.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Fire Engine Driver during emergency responses?

Fire Engine Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating through heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions, and unfamiliar locations while maintaining safety for the crew and public. Quick decision-making and calm under pressure are essential, as drivers must operate large emergency vehicles efficiently and coordinate closely with dispatchers and firefighting teams. Additionally, Fire Engine Drivers are responsible for the safe setup and operation of on-board equipment at the scene, making adaptability and strong communication skills crucial for success in this role.

What are Fire Engine Drivers?

Fire Engine Drivers, also known as fire apparatus operators or engineers, are firefighters trained to operate and drive fire engines and other emergency response vehicles. Their primary responsibility is to safely transport firefighters and equipment to emergency scenes and to operate the vehicle's pumps and other systems during firefighting operations. They must have specialized training in driving large emergency vehicles, understanding traffic laws, and maintaining the fire engine's mechanical systems. Fire Engine Drivers play a critical role in ensuring quick response times and supporting firefighting efforts on the scene.

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

To thrive as a Fire Engine Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), thorough knowledge of vehicle operation, and a strong understanding of emergency response protocols. Familiarity with fire engine apparatus, GPS navigation, and radio communication systems is typically required, along with certifications such as Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC). Excellent situational awareness, calmness under pressure, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure timely and safe transportation of crew and equipment, directly impacting emergency response effectiveness and community safety.

What is the difference between Fire Engine Driver vs Firefighter?

AspectFire Engine DriverFirefighter
Required CertificationsDriver's license with fire apparatus endorsement, basic firefighting certificationFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrimarily operates fire engines, drives to emergency sitesPerforms rescue, suppression, and medical aid at scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency response teams

While both roles are vital in fire emergency response, the Fire Engine Driver primarily focuses on operating fire apparatus and ensuring quick, safe transportation to emergencies. Firefighters perform a broader range of duties, including rescue and fire suppression. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within fire services.

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Engine Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Engine Driver job openings:
Fire Engine Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Engine Driver job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,954 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Firefighter/Paramedic - Entry Level

Firefighter/Paramedic - Entry Level

Novato Fire Protection District

Novato, CA • On-site

$144K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary : $144,804.24 - $172,232.76 Annually
Location : 95 Rowland Way, Novato
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 20260002
Division: Emergency Medical Services
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 7/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Novato Fire Protection District is a five-station agency with 67 sworn line personnel covering three shifts. Each shift has one Battalion Chief, five Captains and five engine companies including a cross staffed truck, and Type 3 engines. Staffing includes two front line paramedic ambulances, each staffed with two firefighter/paramedics. Novato averages over 7,500 calls for service a year as an all hazard fire agency.
Salary range listed encompasses range beginning on July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.
Examples of Duties
• Response to emergency medical, fire, and public assistance calls for service
• Meet the continuing education and service requirements for EMT-P for the State of California and County of Marin, while staying skilled in use of appropriate emergency medical equipment
• Ensure proper maintenance and control over emergency medical equipment and supplies, including proper inventory procedures as set forth by the District and applicable State and Federal laws and regulations
• Prepare thorough and concise reports including Patient Care Reports and Incident Reports
• Abide by the District's rules, regulations, policies, procedures, mission, guiding principles and firefighter empowerment
• Remain skilled in fire suppression tactics, methods, and procedures as well as emergency lifesaving procedures through training drills and other maintenance programs
• Functions well as a team member of a fire company at any emergency or non-emergency scene and accepts his or her share of the work required
• Maintains an adequate level of physical fitness to meet the physical requirements required to perform firefighting tasks
• Project a positive image to the public as a fire service professional, including developing and maintaining public support for fire suppression and fire prevention activities
Typical Qualifications
• Have a valid CPAT, dated within the 12 months prior to application submission
• Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Possess and maintain a current EMT-Paramedic license from the State of California at time of employment
• Have obtained CSFM Firefighter 1 certificate
• Able to be accredited as an EMT-P by the County of Marin during first month of employment
• Possess and maintain a valid State of California Class C license upon date of hire, with a Class C Firefighter Endorsement required within six months of hire
• 12 months of full time ambulance experience, highly desirable
• Bilingual, highly desirable
NOTE: Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are subject to a background check including, but not limited to, polygraph examination, DMV driving record review, Live Scan, psychological screening, medical evaluation, and drug screen.
Supplemental Information
Please attached the following documents to your application:
• A detailed résumé
• Copy of high school diploma, GED certificate or transcript (college transcripts also accepted, if applicable)
• Copy of CSFM Firefighter 1 certificate
• Copy of valid CPAT card, dated within the 12 months prior to application submission
• Copy of current EMT-P License from the State of California
• DD 214 Long Form (Required for all former military personnel)
  • After one year of continuous service, shift members are entitled to six (6) shifts of vacation
  • 457b deferred compensation retirement plan (classic or Roth) with District matching of $300 per month
  • Retirement Health Savings account with District contributions of $300 per month
  • Shift members accrue 12 hours of sick leave per month
  • Members may enroll in District sponsored medical, dental, vision, and voluntary life insurance coverage
    • The District will pay 80% of the applicable Kaiser medical premium towards the medical plan of the members choosing, for member and eligible dependents
    • The District pays 100% of dental and vision premiums for the member and eligible dependents
    • The District provides $60,000 of life and AD&D coverage for each member
    • The District offers additional voluntary life insurance coverage for member, member's spouse, and member's children. The member is responsible for 100% of voluntary life insurance premium
  • District sponsored employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Safety new hires will join the Marin County Employees Retirement Association (MCERA) as a PEPRA employee at 2.7% at 57
  • 12 month probationary period, following completion of academy.
  • Behavioral Health programs and training, including but not limited health and wellness screenings, and agency and county peer support teams
  • Represented position

01
Do you have a valid driver license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a CPAT completed within 12 months of your application?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I have a CPAT scheduled

04
Do you have a Firefighter 1 certification?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I have completed a Firefighter 1 Academy

05
Do you have a valid Paramedic license issued by the California State EMS Agency?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Are you fluent in both Spanish and English?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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