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Fire Lieutenant Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Lieutenant information

See Kentucky salary details

$45.2K

$82.9K

$167.2K

How much do fire lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire lieutenant in Kentucky is $82,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $85,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire lieutenant?

Fire Lieutenants are supervisory firefighters who oversee a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at the fire station. They are responsible for ensuring effective firefighting tactics, enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and managing equipment readiness. Fire Lieutenants serve as the link between firefighters and higher-ranking officers, making critical decisions during emergencies and assisting with administrative tasks. Their leadership helps maintain order and efficiency within their unit, ensuring the safety of both their team and the public.

What are some common challenges fire lieutenants face when leading their teams during emergency incidents?

Fire Lieutenants often encounter the challenge of making quick, high-stakes decisions while ensuring the safety of both their crew and the public. They must maintain clear communication under pressure, coordinate effectively with other emergency responders, and adapt to rapidly changing situations. Balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on operational tasks can also be demanding, especially during large-scale incidents where resource allocation and situational awareness are critical.

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

To thrive as a Fire Lieutenant, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and typically completion of relevant fire science courses or officer certifications. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire investigation tools, and emergency response software is often required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills set outstanding Fire Lieutenants apart. These competencies ensure effective emergency response, safety of personnel, and successful execution of fireground operations.

What is the difference between Fire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire LieutenantFire Captain
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/IIFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/II, Fire Officer III/IV (often required)
Work EnvironmentLeading fire crews, supervising daily operations, trainingOverseeing multiple fire crews, managing incident scenes, administrative duties
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonFire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain

Fire Lieutenants typically supervise fire crews and handle daily operational tasks, while Fire Captains oversee multiple crews and manage larger incidents. Both roles require similar certifications and work in fire departments, but Captains often have broader responsibilities and command authority.

More about Fire Lieutenant jobs

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What job categories do people searching Fire Lieutenant jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Lieutenant jobs in Kentucky are:

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

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

Fire Lieutenant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Lieutenant 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 $82,898 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Fire Lieutenant - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

Paducah, KY • On-site

City of Paducah
See more jobs at City of Paducahexternal

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description:

THIS IS AN INTERNAL ONLY POSITION - OUTSIDE CANDIDATES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under direction, drives fire apparatus and operates related fire equipment; directs the activities of personnel and equipment on assigned fire engine; performs fire suppression and fire prevention duties; supervises immediate subordinates for the efficient application of manpower and equipment until relieved by a superior.


ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES:

  • Ensures proper care and maintenance for equipment on assigned fire engines.
  • Assumes the regular responsibilities and duties of Captain in the absence of the Captain.
  • Performs fire prevention, fire suppression and rescue activities.
  • Responds to fire, accident and disaster alarms and suppresses the extinguishes fires.
  • Performs equipment maintenance and repair.
  • Performs routine upkeep of building and its contents.
  • Attends training sessions and seminars to enhance and maintain self-knowledge of present and new methods and techniques of firefighting and emergency service functions; speaks to community groups and individuals to promote fire and safety prevention.
  • Maintains records and prepares reports.



Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Completion of secondary education and five (5) years’ experience as a firefighter; or equivalent combination of training and or experience which evidences a comprehensive knowledge of firefighting, rescue, first aid; demonstrable ability to operate the various pieces of fire department equipment and apparatus; demonstrable ability to perform heavy sustained labor and physical activity in hazardous conditions; possession of a valid State of Kentucky motor vehicle operator's license.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform heavy sustained labor in required firefighting equipment and physical activity in hazardous conditions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS-AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of department policies and procedures; inventory, fire apparatus operation and maintenance, tools, equipment and instruments utilized in firefighting and emergency operations, geographical layout of city, locations of hydrants and pump pressure, fire suppression and prevention techniques, safety practices and procedures; ability to communicate effectively, act in stressful situations, sustain physical activity for prolonged periods of time under hazardous conciliations, operation of fire and emergency apparatus and equipment. Knowledge of routine custodial methods, procedures and equipment. Ability to maintain accurate records.

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