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Fire Fighter Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$85 - $120/hr

Essential Job Functions Operates twin-turbine-powered aircraft over mountainous or hilly terrain to give assistance to fire fighting activities below. Transports personnel and equipment in fire areas ...

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$70 - $90/hr

We are a full-service fire protection company, providing installation, maintenance, inspection, monitoring, and retrofit of fire safety systems. Come join a dynamic team of fire protection ...

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Fire Fighter information

See Kentucky salary details

$24.8K

$51.8K

$86.9K

How much do fire fighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire fighter in Kentucky is $51,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $59,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire fighter?

Fire fighters are trained professionals responsible for responding to fires, emergencies, and disasters to protect lives, property, and the environment. They perform tasks such as extinguishing fires, rescuing people, providing first aid, and educating the public about fire safety. Fire fighters work in physically demanding and often dangerous conditions, requiring specialized training, teamwork, and quick decision-making skills. Their duties also include maintaining equipment and participating in drills to stay prepared for emergencies.

What does a fire fighter do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire fighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Fighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of fire academy training, often with EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting apparatus, rescue tools, and hazardous materials handling systems is typically required. Teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills that set exceptional firefighters apart. These competencies are vital to ensure effective emergency response, personal and team safety, and the protection of the public.

What are some common challenges faced by fire fighters during emergency response, and how can new recruits prepare for them?

Firefighters often encounter unpredictable and high-stress situations, such as rapidly changing fire conditions, hazardous materials, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. New recruits can prepare by focusing on physical fitness, developing strong teamwork and communication skills, and participating in realistic training scenarios. Additionally, learning to manage stress and staying up-to-date with safety protocols are essential for both personal safety and effective emergency response.

What is the difference between Fire Fighter vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectFire FighterEmergency Medical Technician
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT certification often requiredEMT certification, some roles require advanced EMS certifications
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency responseAmbulances, hospitals, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, fire departments

Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) both respond to emergencies, but Fire Fighters primarily handle fire suppression and rescue, while EMTs focus on providing medical care. Many Fire Fighters are also trained as EMTs, making their roles complementary in emergency response teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Fighter jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Fire Fighter jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Fire Fighter jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Fire Fighter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Fighter jobs in KY?

For Fire Fighter jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Fire Fighter job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,770 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Military Fighter-Crew Chief -Department of Military Affairs (Non-Merit)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Greenville, KY โ€ข On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Advertisement Closes
8/27/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2604392
Military Fighter-Crew Chief -Department of Military Affairs (Non-Merit)
Pay Grade13
Salary
$42,741.92 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY NON-CHAPTER 40.0 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
General Government Cabinet Department of Military Affairs
Location
4675 State Rt 181 N
Greenville, KY 42345 USA
Description
The Facilities Division is hiring a Military Firefighter Crew Chief position that under general supervision ofthe Assistant Fire Chief, is responsible as a crew chief for the supervision of a crew of one or more piecesof equipment.
Job duties include but are not limited to the following:
  • Maintains a crew and equipment and fire center in a state of readiness to mitigate emergencyincidents.
  • Directs and participates in on the job training activities for all fire personnel and maintainsrecords and certifications.
  • Directs activities of a crew and equipment at emergency incidents through size-up and incidentmanagement.
  • Performs interior fire attack with a crew for purposes of rescue and fire extinguishment.
  • Directs and performs fire fighting, rescue, hazardous materials control, and disaster reliefresponsive to requests pursuant to authorized mutual-aid agreements.
  • Participates in training exercises and assessments with mutual-aid agreement partners.
  • Directs and takes part in the inspection of fire protection equipment and pre-planning of buildings on site.
  • Studies regulations and procedures pertaining to fire and emergency operations and daily functions.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:High school graduate.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:Must have two years experience in fire fighting operations.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:Additional training in the above will substitute for the experience on a year-for-year basis.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):Must possess a valid driver's license prior to appointment in this classification. Must have Military driver's license, Department of Defense Fire Fighter II certification, Department of Defense Airport Fire Fighter certification, Department of Defense Driver/Operator (ARFF) certification, Department of Defense Hazardous Materials Operations certification, Department of Defense Fire Officer I certification, Department of Defense Fire Instructor I certification and Department of Defense Fire Inspector I certification. http://www.dodffcert.com/ Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Working conditions and hazards will be those typically found in a fire fighting operation.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Crystal Simpson at crystal.l.simpson10.nfg@army.mil or 502-607-1541.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D