ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Firefighter Cadet Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

All JobsFirefighter Cadet JobsFirefighter Cadet Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Firefighter Cadet information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$7

$17

$24

How much do firefighter cadet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter cadet in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter Cadet, you need physical fitness, a high school diploma or equivalent, and foundational knowledge of fire safety and emergency response. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, basic life support (BLS) certification, and training in incident management systems are typically required. Teamwork, resilience under pressure, and strong communication skills help cadets excel in demanding and unpredictable situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring personal safety, effective emergency response, and reliable support within firefighting teams.

What are some common challenges faced by firefighter cadets during training, and how can they best prepare for them?

Firefighter Cadets often encounter physically demanding exercises, rigorous academic coursework, and the need to quickly adapt to high-pressure situations during training. Balancing these challenges while maintaining strong teamwork and communication skills is essential. To prepare, cadets should focus on building their physical fitness, time management, and resilience. Engaging in study groups and seeking mentorship from experienced firefighters can also provide valuable support and guidance throughout the training process.

What is a firefighter cadet?

Firefighter cadets are individuals participating in a training program designed to prepare them for a career in firefighting. As cadets, they learn essential skills such as fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue techniques, and safety procedures under the supervision of experienced firefighters. The cadet program typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure readiness for real-world emergencies. Upon successful completion, cadets may be eligible to advance to full firefighter positions within a fire department.

What is the difference between Firefighter Cadet vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter CadetFirefighter
Required CertificationsBasic first aid, fire safety training, possibly emergency responder certificationsAdvanced firefighting certifications, EMT or paramedic licenses often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, fire stations, community eventsActive fire scenes, emergency response, rescue operations
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments during training programsFull-time fire service personnel in fire departments

Firefighter Cadets are trainees gaining foundational knowledge and experience, often in a learning capacity. Firefighters are fully qualified personnel responsible for emergency response and firefighting duties. The main difference lies in experience level and certification status, with cadets in training and firefighters fully certified and operational.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Cadet jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Firefighter Cadet jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Firefighter Cadet jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Firefighter Cadet job openings:

Firefighter Cadet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Cadet job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,622 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Firefighter 3/C Cadet

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM

$44K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

City Of Albuquerque rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Position Summary The Firefighter 3/C (cadet) will be trained and educated by members of the Albuquerque Fire Rescue Training Division so that the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician are acquired. Successful completion of the Fire Academy will provide the opportunity to serve the citizens of Albuquerque as a Firefighter. Firefighter Annual Salary (estimated) - First Year $39,211.04, Second Year $49,389.76, and Third Year $62,258.56

EMT Basic Firefighter Annual Salary (estimated) - First Year $39,458.24, Second Year $53,679.36, and Third Year $62,258.56. Paramedic Firefighter Annual Salary (estimated) - First Year $46,535.36, Second Year $60,751.04, and Third Year $64,995.84. Certified Paramedics will receive an incentive pay of 4.4% added to their base rate pay and will begin upon achieving the rank of Firefighter 1st class

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Cadet will learn the policies, procedures, guidelines, rules and regulations of both the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

Cadet will learn standard operating guidelines and protocols pertaining to suppression firefighting, wildland firefighting, delivery of emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, technical rescue response, incident command and safety. Cadet will meet all training expectations needed to complete the 19 week (for current State or National Registry EMT-B or higher) or 28 week (for non-EMT) Fire Academy as a Firefighter II certified by the State of New Mexico. Cadet will meet all academic and physical fitness standards established by the Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements High school diploma or GED Must be 18 years of age by the academy start date If a Veteran must submit an Honorable Discharge, or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions, as stipulated on your DD-214. All other Discharges, with the exception of a Dishonorable Discharge, will be considered on a case by case basis Must be a United States Citizen or Legal Resident Must possess a valid driver's license (out-of-state applicants must obtain a New Mexico driver's license within 30 days of being hired) Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class E New Mexico driver's license (within 30 days of graduation of the academy) All cadets that do not hold an EMT License, will be provided EMT Basic License training and be required to successfully complete the course and obtain New Mexico State License Must have valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Certificate. If applicants are not New Mexico Licensed but are Nationally Registered EMT and/or Paramedics and are selected as cadets, they will be required to complete the reciprocity process and acquire a State of New Mexico EMT license prior to graduation from the academy Males under the age of 25 must be registered for Selective Service (Click here for more information on Selective Service) Create your portfolio by visiting https://abqfire.com/ Submit all required documentation to https://abqfire.com/ PREFERRED TRAINING, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic, Intermediate/Advanced or Paramedic License International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Fighter 1 and/or 2 Certification Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Certification SELECTION PROCESS Must pass the Fire Rescue Cadet Written Examination Must pass the Structured Oral Interview Must pass the City of Albuquerque medical examination and drug screening Must pass a comprehensive background check Click here for details on the testing process

Click here for details on minimum qualifications. Working Conditions Environmental and Physical: Intense 19 or 28 week firefighter and emergency medical technician training academy 40 hour work week, Monday through Friday, 0800-1700, with some exceptions Indoor and outdoor work performance in hot, cold, windy, dark, smoky, confined spaces, elevated heights, and other environments Exposure to heavy and powerful equipment, sharp objects, uneven and slippery surfaces

What City Of Albuquerque employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply