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Firefighter 2 Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA

$42K/yr

Firefighter I Firefighter II Airport Firefighter Hazardous Materials Awareness Hazardous Materials Operations National Registry of EMT GS4 : Incumbent has 1 year to complete the following ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Bridgeport, CA

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

US Department of the Navy

$46K/yr

Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet ...

City of Costa Mesa, CA

Firefighter Paramedic

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$7.9K - $10K/mo

CA Firefighter II * Out of State Firefighter I (e.g. IFSAC or ProBroad equivalent) * Out of State Firefighter II (e.g. IFSAC or ProBroad equivalent) * I do not possess any of the above certifications ...

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All JobsFirefighter 2 JobsFirefighter 2 Jobs in California

Firefighter 2 information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do firefighter 2 jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter 2 in California is $58,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Firefighter 2?

A Firefighter 2 is a professional who has advanced beyond the entry-level Firefighter 1 position, possessing more training and responsibility in fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. They are trained to perform more complex tasks, operate equipment, and may take a leadership role during incidents. Firefighter 2s are also often involved in fire prevention, public education, and mentoring newer firefighters. This designation demonstrates a higher level of competency and readiness to handle a broader range of emergency situations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Firefighter 2, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter 2, you need advanced firefighting knowledge, physical fitness, and completion of Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, hazardous materials protocols, and incident command systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, decision-making, and communication skills help firefighters effectively respond to emergencies and support their crews. These abilities are vital for ensuring public safety, quick emergency response, and minimizing risk during high-pressure situations.

What opportunities for advancement are available to someone starting as a Firefighter 2?

Firefighters who begin as Firefighter 2s often have several paths for career growth, including promotion to positions such as Firefighter 3, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, or even higher command roles. Advancement typically requires a combination of additional training, certifications, years of service, and demonstrated leadership abilities. Many departments offer structured promotional exams and ongoing education to help personnel achieve these goals. By taking initiative and seeking specialized training, Firefighter 2s can expand their skills in areas like hazardous materials, technical rescue, or fire inspection, increasing their eligibility for advancement. Networking with mentors and actively participating in department initiatives also supports career progression.

What is the difference between Firefighter 2 vs Firefighter 1?

AspectFirefighter 2Firefighter 1
Required CertificationsBasic Firefighter Certification, EMT certification often preferredAdvanced certifications may be required, such as HazMat or technical rescue
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, emergency medical calls, training exercisesSimilar environments, often with more complex rescue operations
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, emergency servicesMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Firefighter 2 typically requires basic firefighting and emergency medical certifications, working in similar environments as Firefighter 1 but often with additional responsibilities. Firefighter 1 is usually an entry-level role, while Firefighter 2 indicates some experience and additional training. Both roles are essential in fire departments and share similar industry usage.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter 2 jobs in California?

For Firefighter 2 jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter 2 jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter 2 jobs in California are:

Firefighter 2 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter 2 job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Firefighter 2 (Palmdale CA)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$51K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman is looking to hire either a Firefighter 2 to our team of diverse professionals at our Palmdale, CA location!
The selected candidate will be responsible for the following: Performs assigned firefighting and emergency response services tasks with established protocols and standard procedures. Participates as a member of the emergency response unit in providing fire suppression and prevention services, medical services, hazardous spill response and specialized rescue operations in accordance with NFPA, Federal, State and local standards. Conducts inspections of fire extinguishers and fire systems (e.g., sprinklers, fire hydrants). May operate and maintain emergency response vehicles.
This position does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.
Basic Qualifications for Firefighter 2:
  • High School diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience
  • Must have: Firefighter 1, HazMat Awareness and Operations and a current EMT-B certification, California or National Registry.
  • Must obtain Airport Firefighter within 1 year and Firefighter 2 within a year of hire
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain multiple program accesses (PARs). These must be obtained as a condition of employment.
  • Must be able to pass NFPA Firefighter medical exam/physical

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Currently possess an Active DoD Secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $51,400.00 - $85,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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