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Fire Service Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Fire Chief

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$152K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The City of Sterling Heights is seeking an innovative and experienced fire service leader to serve as its next Fire Chief! * Pay range is $152,250 - $178,640 annually * Defined Benefit Pension

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and managing quality of product and service delivery. Develop relationships with all Fire and EMT decision-makers in designated territory. Dinges Fire ...

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Fire Service information

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How much do fire service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire service in Michigan is $20.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by new recruits in the fire service, and how can they best prepare for them?

New recruits in the fire service often face challenges such as adapting to the physical demands of the job, mastering complex emergency response procedures, and integrating into a close-knit team environment. To prepare, it's crucial to maintain a high level of physical fitness, familiarize yourself with firefighting equipment and protocols, and develop strong communication skills. Building resilience and seeking mentorship from experienced firefighters can also help new hires successfully navigate the transition and thrive in their roles.

How to get a job in fire service?

To get a job in fire service, candidates typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical fitness tests, and obtain firefighter training or certification such as Firefighter I and II. Many departments require passing written exams, background checks, and medical evaluations, and some may prefer or require emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.

What is fire service?

Fire service professionals are trained personnel who respond to fires, emergencies, and disasters to protect people, property, and the environment. Their duties include extinguishing fires, rescuing individuals, providing emergency medical care, and conducting fire prevention inspections and education. Fire service roles can include firefighters, fire officers, fire inspectors, and fire investigators, all working together to ensure public safety. These professionals are often employed by municipal or regional fire departments, but may also work in specialized industrial or wildland fire services.

What is the difference between Fire Service vs Firefighter?

AspectFire ServiceFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenseFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentEmergency response, fire suppression, rescue operationsEmergency response, fire suppression, rescue operations
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Fire Service is a broad term encompassing all roles within fire departments, including Firefighters. Firefighters are the frontline personnel responsible for fire suppression and rescue. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but 'Fire Service' refers to the entire sector, while 'Firefighter' specifies the individual role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fire service, and why are they important?

To thrive in the Fire Service, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire safety, emergency response procedures, and physical fitness, typically supported by a high school diploma and completion of fire academy training. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency medical systems, and certifications such as EMT are commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure are crucial soft skills for this demanding role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring effective emergency response, public safety, and the well-being of both the public and firefighting teams.

What job categories do people searching Fire Service jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Service jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Fire Service job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,207 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Firefighter (Hazardous Materials Technician / Basic Life Support)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Warren, MI

$44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 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 is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is included under the provisions of Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) and may have both a maximum entry age and a mandatory retirement date.
Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous)Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience GS-05: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Assisting with fire suppression and rescue activities and 2) Performing firefighting functions. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).
OR
Education: Four years of education above the high school level in an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Fire Training, Paramedicine, or other related fields of study.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education by 120. Add the two percentages.
Specialized Experience GS-06: One year of specialized experience which includes:1) Controlling or extinguishing fires performing rescue operations; 2) Detecting, reducing, and/or eliminating potential fire hazards; 3) Performing fire prevention inspection and training; and 4) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/ level position in the federal service (GS-05).
Specialized Experience GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes: 1) Performing fire suppression and emergency responses duties involving structural fires and hazardous material incidents; 2) Operating firefighting vehicles and equipment during firefighting and rescue operations; and 3) Providing basic life support and emergency care or injured or ill individuals; and 4) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06).
Along with the specialized experience listed above, there are required certifications that will be needed prior to entry for each grade level.
GS-0081-05 Firefighter must possess the following certifications through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board):
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Hazmat Awareness and Operations

GS-0081-06 Firefighter must possess the following certifications through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board):
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • HAZMAT Awareness
  • HAZMAT Operations
  • HAZMAT Technician (Must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • Drive Operator - Pumper (Must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • Driver Operator - Aerial (Must obtain within 12 months of appointment)
  • National Registry or equivalent state issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic (Must obtain within 12 months of appointment)

GS-0081-07 Firefighter must possess the following certifications through DoD Fire and Emergency Services Certification System, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or the Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (PRO-Board)
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • HAZMAT Awareness
  • HAZMAT Operations
  • Driver Operator - Pumper
  • Driver Operator - Aerial
  • HAZMAT Technician
  • National Registry or equivalent state issued Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) - Basic
  • Telecommunicator 1 and 2 (Local certification which will be obtained on the job)

Maximum Entry Age (MEA) The MEA for Firefighters is 37. An employee originally hired into a covered position must be hired by the last day of the month he/she reaches 37.
Maximum Reentry Age An employee who previously served on a covered position may be rehired past the MEA as long as he/she is able to complete 20 years of covered service by his/her mandatory retirement age. The maximum re-entry age for the individual is calculated by determining the total amount of time he/she has served on a covered position and subtracting that from age 57 if a firefighter. The employee's current age is compared to the calculated maximum re-entry age to determine if he/she can be rehired into the covered position.Education:GS-05: FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
GS-06/GS-07: Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.Employment Type: OTHER

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