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Firefighter Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Captain

Livingston, CA · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Fire Captains ensure compliance with City policies, departmental procedures, and applicable laws ... Direct supervision over Fire Lieutenants, Firefighters, and extra-help or volunteer personnel as ...

Firefighter/Paramedic

Tulare, CA · On-site

$76K - $93K/yr

Three of the fire companies are staffed with three personnel (captain, engineer, and firefighter/paramedic) and one patrol unit is staffed with two personnel (captain and engineer/paramedic). A ...

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Firefighter Captain information

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$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.
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Cities with the most Firefighter Captain job openings:

What states have the most Firefighter Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Firefighter Captain jobs include:

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.

Fire Captain

Livingston, CA • On-site

City of Livingston (CA)
Public Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$71K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Command a fire station during an assigned shift and oversee fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, and fire prevention activities.

  • Supervise, train, and evaluate fire personnel, and ensure operational readiness of station personnel, apparatus, tools, and equipment.

  • Respond to emergency incidents, assume incident command, and direct operations in accordance with the Incident Command System (ICS).


Job description

Description Definition Under general direction, the Fire Captain commands a fire station during an assigned shift; supervises, plans, and participates in fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, and fire prevention activities; provides leadership and training to assigned personnel; and performs specialized administrative, training, or fire prevention assignments in support of overall Fire Department objectives. Distinguishing Characteristics The Fire Captain is a supervisory classification within the fire service career series. Incumbents serve as incident commanders during emergency operations and are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, operation, and readiness of assigned stations, apparatus, and personnel.

Fire Captains ensure compliance with City policies, departmental procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. Some positions may include administrative staff assignments such as Training Officer or Fire Prevention Officer. Assignments may require a standard 40-hour workweek or a scheduled shift assignment.

Supervision Received and Exercised Received: General supervision from the Fire Battalion Chief or higher-level Fire Department staff. Exercised: Direct supervision over Fire Lieutenants, Firefighters, and extra-help or volunteer personnel as assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan, organize, direct, and participate in fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, and fire prevention activities during assigned shifts.

Respond to fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency incidents; assume command and direct incident operations in accordance with the Incident Command System (ICS). Supervise station personnel and oversee fire apparatus, tools, and equipment to ensure operational readiness. Operate fire apparatus and emergency equipment; assist in fire suppression, emergency medical care, and protection of life, property, and the environment.

Conduct residential and commercial fire inspections to identify and mitigate fire hazards. Provide public education in fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and life safety. Train, mentor, and evaluate fire personnel; assist in developing and delivering training programs and drills.

Ensure adherence to established safety standards, policies, and procedures. Maintain records and prepare reports related to incidents, personnel, training, inspections, and operations. Oversee maintenance of fire stations, grounds, and equipment.

Conduct preliminary fire investigations; document findings and, when required, collect and preserve evidence for legal proceedings. Assist in budget preparation and expenditure monitoring as assigned. Serve as Acting Fire Chief when assigned.

Other duties may be assigned that are consistent with this classification. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Fire suppression and prevention methods, including the Incident Command System. Operation, use, and maintenance of fire apparatus and firefighting equipment.

Principles of fire prevention, including building construction, fire inspections, and pre-fire planning. Mechanical principles related to fire apparatus and equipment. First aid, CPR, and emergency medical response techniques.

Principles and practices of supervision, training, and fire service administration. Ability to: Plan, direct, and coordinate fire suppression and emergency response activities. Effectively supervise, train, and evaluate fire personnel.

Make sound decisions and exercise good judgment under emergency conditions. Analyze situations quickly and adopt effective courses of action. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public. Prepare accurate reports and maintain operational records. Operate modern office equipment and fire communications systems.

Education and Experience Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience as a Fire Lieutenant or equivalent supervisory fire service experience. Licenses and Certifications Required at time of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment: Valid California driver's license with appropriate firefighter endorsement.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification (minimum EMT-B). Professional Rescuer CPR/AED certification. Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification (Title 8 CCR compliant).

Incident Command System ICS 300 certification. Desirable Qualifications Associate's degree or higher in fire science, fire administration, or a related field. California State Fire Training Company Officer or Fire Officer certification.

State Fire Training Driver/Operator 1A/1B certification. Fire Investigator, Safety Officer, or Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certifications. Physical and Working Conditions Ability to perform physically demanding work under emergency conditions, including lifting, climbing, and exposure to heat, smoke, and hazardous environments.

Availability for shift work, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-back as required. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed.