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Firefighter Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Firefighter Captain oversees daily activities including fire suppression, emergency medical incidents, hazardous materials spills and other emergency incident calls as well as the daily ...

Fire Captain

Irvine, CA · On-site

$106K - $143K/yr

... Fire Captain. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE: At time of application, applicants must have ... Qualifying experience as a Firefighter begins at time of hire as either a Firefighter Trainee or ...

Firefighter

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K/yr

Fire Lieutenant, Captain/Platoon, Captain/Training, Captain/Training, Battalion Chief A Brief Overview The Airport Firefighter performs various life, property, and environmental control activities.

FIRE CAPTAIN - 5/28/26

Awendaw, SC · On-site

$18.17/hr

... Captain directs the activities of Fire personnel during an assigned shift. An employee in this ... Duties include: assigning, directing, and supervising firefighting, medical emergencies, and ...

Captain Position Type: On Call Department: Chemehuevi Transportation Authority / Ferry Operations ... Must respond to and render aid in safety/firefighting/man-overboard situations per USCG. * Direct ...

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Firefighter Captain information

See salary details

$38.5K

$78K

$134.5K

How much do firefighter captain jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter captain in the United States is $77,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter captain?

Firefighter Captains are experienced firefighters who serve as leaders and supervisors within a fire department. They are responsible for overseeing a team of firefighters, managing emergency response operations, and ensuring the safety of both their crew and the public. Captains also handle training, equipment maintenance, and administrative tasks. Their leadership is crucial during fire emergencies, rescues, and other hazardous situations. Typically, this role requires several years of firefighting experience and proven leadership abilities.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter Captain, you need extensive fire service experience, leadership training, and usually completion of advanced fire science or emergency management courses. Familiarity with incident command systems, firefighting apparatus, and certifications such as Fire Officer I/II and EMT are typically required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills are essential for leading crews under pressure. These skills ensure effective emergency response, crew safety, and the successful coordination of complex firefighting operations.

What are some common leadership challenges a firefighter captain faces, and how can they be addressed?

A Firefighter Captain frequently navigates challenges such as managing diverse teams under high-stress conditions, making quick decisions in emergencies, and ensuring clear communication among crew members. Balancing administrative duties with frontline responsibilities can also be demanding. To address these challenges, successful Captains focus on continuous training, foster a culture of trust and open communication, and prioritize mentorship within their teams to develop future leaders.

What is the difference between Firefighter Captain vs Firefighter Lieutenant?

AspectFirefighter CaptainFirefighter Lieutenant
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, leadership trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, some leadership training
Work EnvironmentSupervises fire crews, manages emergency scenes, administrative dutiesAssists at fire scenes, supports crew, reports to Captain
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Firefighter Captains and Firefighter Lieutenants both work in fire departments and require similar certifications. Captains hold higher supervisory roles, managing crews and overseeing operations, while Lieutenants assist in firefighting efforts and report to Captains. Both positions are essential for effective emergency response and team management.

Do you need a degree to be a Firefighter Captain?

A degree is not always required to become a Firefighter Captain, but many departments prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience and certifications. Advanced education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in fire science or a related field can improve prospects and may be required by some departments. Leadership skills, physical fitness, and extensive firefighting experience are also essential for this role.

How do firefighters become captains?

Firefighters become captains by gaining experience as firefighters, demonstrating leadership skills, and completing relevant training and certifications. Advancement typically requires several years of service, passing promotional exams, and showing strong performance in emergency response and management tasks.

What does a firefighter captain do in a fire department?

A firefighter captain leads firefighting teams during emergency responses, oversees fireground operations, and ensures safety protocols are followed. They also coordinate training, manage personnel, and may handle administrative duties to ensure effective fire department operations.
More about Firefighter Captain jobs

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Cities with the most Firefighter Captain job openings:

What states have the most Firefighter Captain jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Captain jobs?

For Firefighter Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Firefighter Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,989 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Firefighter Captain

TX • On-site

Vallen
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to emergency and non-emergency incidents, providing fire suppression, rescue, and medical services as required.

  • Oversee daily inspection, testing, and maintenance of emergency response equipment and life safety systems.

  • Supervise and oversee fire prevention activities, hazardous materials response, and ensure readiness of fire station and equipment.


Job description

Position Summary:
Firefighter Captains may supervise and oversee several Firefighters. The Firefighter Captain oversees daily activities including fire suppression, emergency medical incidents, hazardous materials spills and other emergency incident calls as well as the daily Inspection, Testing & Maintenance schedule. The Firefighter Captain will possess knowledge of regulatory standards pertaining to State, OSHA and NFPA standards. The Firefighter Captain will respond and may
serve at the Incident Command on all emergencies including, Hazard Material Incidents, Fire Operations, Search and Rescue Operations, both Confined Space and High Angle Operations as well as Medical Incidents. The Firefighter Captain aids the Division Chief. In absence of the Division Chief position, the Firefighter Captain shall report directly to the Assistant Fire Chief.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
* Respond to emergency and non-emergency incidents; provide appropriate services as required including emergency rescue and fire suppression; perform search and rescue for trapped or injured persons; perform emergency medical and first aid services as needed; prepare reports regarding emergency incidents as assigned.
* Personnel are subject to recall for fire or incident response as necessary. This includes responding at short notice for critical events such as storms, natural disasters, or other emergencies that may arise outside of regular scheduled hours. Maintaining staffing during these events is essential to ensure operational safety or to meet customer requests for increased personnel.
* Participate in a variety of fire prevention operations, activities and programs including training, fire investigations; equipment operation and maintenance; participate in activities in response to natural disasters, incidents involving hazardous materials, and other emergency situations.
* Identifies, isolates, and contains hazardous materials in a safe and effective manner
* Participate in cleaning and maintaining fire station, equipment, and apparatus; ensure that appropriate conditions are maintained; ensure that all equipment and apparatus are in a constant state of readiness.
* Respond to a variety of hazardous materials incidents.
* Oversee the daily Inspection, Testing and Maintenance schedule of emergency response equipment as well as installed life safety systems in accordance with Vallen and Customer SOP's.
* Oversees that emergency vehicle equipment logs are kept and accurate.
* Oversees that EMS supplies and inventory levels are stocked and maintained.
* Submit requisitions for additional materials and supplies as necessary.
* Complete Incident and Patient Reports.
* Perform other related job duties and related job tasks as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
High School or GED required; Bachelor's in related field of study preferred or 6+ years of applicable direct experience and 5+ current certifications (manufacturer/state) in fire protection and/or related field. Applicable experience should include:
* In-depth Firefighter II, IFSAC/ProBoard or NFPA 1081 equivalent
* Fire Officer II, IFSAC/ProBoard
* Fire Inspector II, IFSAC/ProBoard
* Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or
* Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) - preferred
* Hazardous Materials Technician
* Rope Rescue Training
* Confined Space Training
* Demonstrated ability and/or competencies to manage a team successfully.
* Demonstrated positive customer service and the ability to manage multiple customer accounts.
* Demonstrated advanced computer skills.
* Must be able to read, write and comprehend English.
Work Environment:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* May be required to complete continuing education courses as required to keep all certifications and licenses current; if applicable, may be required to pass all test requirements for approval to work off-shore.
* May have travel requirements with limited advance notice.
* Occasionally requires long and varied hours.
* Ability to work in extreme hot or cold environment; indoors and/or outdoors.
* Ability to work in dusty conditions.
* May work in hazardous environments and be required to follow safety precautions and use or wear appropriate safety equipment.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand and walk. Must have the ability to walk at a regular pace for up to 15 continuous minutes. Must be able to work from a standing position for 8-10 hours. Must be able to bend, climb, and stoop as needed for access of equipment to repair and service. The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 pounds. Must have the ability to climb stairwells up to 15 high. Must have the ability to ascend and descend ladders (step, extension, case) up to 24' high. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.