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Fire Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA

$47K/yr

Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator, State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Bridgeport, CA

$47K/yr

Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator, State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician ...

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Fire Technology Opening Date: 04/19/2024 Description We are accepting applications for the Fire Technology Adjunct Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a fiscal year basis for ...

City of San Bruno, CA

Fire Cadet

San Bruno, CA · On-site

San Bruno Fire Department - 555 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, CA Job Type: Volunteer Job ... Instructor if currently enrolled) * 18 years of age at the time of application HOW TO APPLY ...

City of San Bruno, CA

Fire Cadet

San Bruno, CA · On-site

The City of San Bruno Fire Department offers an exciting opportunity to serve as a Fire Cadet. Our ... Instructor if currently enrolled) * 18 years of age at the time of application HOW TO APPLY ...

City of San Bruno, CA

Fire Cadet

San Bruno, CA · On-site

The City of San Bruno Fire Department offers an exciting opportunity to serve as a Fire Cadet. Our ... Instructor if currently enrolled) * 18 years of age at the time of application HOW TO APPLY ...

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All JobsFire Instructor JobsFire Instructor Jobs in California

Fire Instructor information

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$8

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$47

How much do fire instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire instructor in California is $24.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.24 and $29.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire instructor?

Fire Instructors are professionals who teach and train firefighters and other emergency responders in fire safety, firefighting techniques, rescue operations, and emergency procedures. They develop lesson plans, conduct classroom and hands-on training sessions, and ensure that all trainees understand safety protocols and best practices. Fire Instructors also evaluate trainees’ performance and keep up to date with the latest industry standards and firefighting technology.

What is the difference between Fire Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFire InstructorFirefighter
CertificationsFire Instructor Certification, CPR, First AidFirefighter Certification, EMT/Paramedic
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, fire academiesFire scenes, emergency response, fire stations
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, training academies, safety organizationsFire departments, emergency services, rescue teams

Fire Instructors focus on training and educating firefighters and the public, working mainly in classrooms and training facilities. Firefighters respond to emergencies, fighting fires and rescuing people at fire scenes. While both roles require fire safety certifications, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire instructor?

To thrive as a Fire Instructor, you need extensive firefighting experience, knowledge of fire science, and typically certifications such as Fire Instructor I or II. Familiarity with training simulators, instructional technology, and learning management systems is often required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability help engage diverse trainees and address dynamic situations. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, safety, and preparedness in high-risk emergency response environments.

What are some common challenges faced by fire instructors when training new recruits?

Fire Instructors often encounter challenges such as effectively communicating complex firefighting techniques to recruits with varying levels of experience and learning styles. Ensuring safety during live-fire training scenarios is another significant concern, requiring strict adherence to protocols and close supervision. Additionally, keeping training sessions engaging and realistic while meeting certification standards can be demanding. Building teamwork and trust among recruits is also a key focus, as these skills are critical in emergency situations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Instructor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Fire Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Instructor jobs in California?

For Fire Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Fire Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Fire Instructor job openings:

Fire Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,712 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Twentynine Palms, CA

$47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various locations throughout the United States Marine Corps.Qualifications:GS-09: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-08 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Serving as a Firefighter (Paramedic) providing fire prevention, and protection, assist in emergency operations to include hazardous material responses, and responding to medical emergencies performing initial and ongoing assessments, performing physical examinations, and assisting patients with medical treatment; planning, and coordinating a fire prevention program, establishing fire prevention policies and procedures, developing and implementing Fire and Life Safety training programs, and conducting fire and safety inspections off all buildings and areas
GS-08: Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: utilizing firefighting techniques for fire hazards; working with firefighting equipment; driving and operating a variety of firefighting vehicles, apparatuses or equipment; serving as a Firefighter extinguishing fires, conducting search and rescue operations, performing invasive and non-invasive emergency and medical procedures.
NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Certifications for GS-08:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I, HazMat Awareness, HazMat Operations, Apparatus Driver/Operator, State or National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Basic Life Support (EMT-D) certification and Hazmat Certification (within one year of employment)
State of California Department of Motor Vehicles Firefighter Endorsement (for positions located in CA)
If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Certifications for GS-009 :
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor I, Fire Inspector I and II and HAZMAT Operations. Malintaln a valid State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification, or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification that Is reciprocal to the State, or a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) certification.
The certifications must have been awarded by DOD, IFSAC, or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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