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Firefighter Driver Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER

Newington, NH · On-site +1

$51K - $66K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help As a FIREFIGHTER (DRIVER-OPERATOR) (TITLE 5), GS-0081-6, ... NOTE: The Salary Range indicated in this announcement is for the basic GS pay scale and is not ...

Firefighter

Hoover, AL

$54K - $83K/yr

Fire Medic (Paramedic): $59,924.80 - $92,996.80 Starting salary may be adjusted depending on ... Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain/maintain a City of Hoover driver ...

Firefighter

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$46K - $53K/yr

Salary : $46,736.56 - $53,747.04 Annually Location : Fire, 3000 Aviation Drive, Winston-Salem, NC ... Emergency Vehicle Driver Technical Rescuer-General or General w/ Ropes NIMS ICS-700,800 Class B ...

Salary : $55,985.28 Annually Location : Winchester, VA Job Type: Full-time Classified Department ... Valid driver's license * Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) certifications in: o ...

Lateral Firefighter

Apex, NC · On-site

$64K - $79K/yr

The Town of Apex has openings for the rank of Lateral Firefighters with the ability to promote to Senior Firefighters (Relief Drivers) during your first year. The following are the salary ranges for ...

Firefighter

Hoover, AL · On-site

$54K - $83K/yr

Fire Medic (Paramedic): $59,924.80 - $92,996.80 Starting salary may be adjusted depending on ... Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain/maintain a City of Hoover driver ...

Firefighter

Hoover, AL · On-site

$59K - $92K/yr

Fire Medic (Paramedic): $59,924.80 - $92,996.80 Starting salary may be adjusted depending on ... Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain/maintain a City of Hoover driver ...

FIREFIGHTER

Bartlett, TN · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

FIREFIGHTER CITY OF BARTLETT FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTER SALARY RANGE $52,216 - $71,455 ANNUALLY ... Must hold a valid State Driver's License for a minimum of one year and must be a minimum Class D.

Our starting salary for certified positions is $55,985.28 Requirements High school diploma/GED is ... driver's license Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) certifications in: o Firefighter Level ...

Salary: $26.92/hourly PUBLIC NOTICE FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT OPENING FIRE FIGHTER/EMT POSITION In ... NH CDL-B drivers license within 1-year of hire. * NH Driver-Operator Certificate within 1-year of ...

Firefighter Engineer

Awendaw, SC · On-site

$50K - $58K/yr

Salary: $50,469.00 - $58,039.00 Annually Location : 6384 Maxville Rd, Awendaw, SC 29429, SC Job ... C. driver's license (Class E or CDL) with a good driving record (10-year driving record required ...

Firefighter

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Salary : $46,262.32 - $60,140.91 Annually Location : Jacksonville, NC Job Type: Full-Time Job ... Valid driver's license. Must possess the following certifications: North Carolina Firefighter II; ...

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Showing results 1-20

Firefighter Driver Salary information

See salary details

$8

$19

$27

How much do firefighter driver salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter driver salary in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do firefighter drivers make?

Firefighter drivers, also known as fire apparatus operators, typically earn a median annual salary between $45,000 and $65,000, depending on experience, location, and department size. They are responsible for operating fire trucks and emergency vehicles, often requiring specialized training and certifications. Salaries can increase with seniority, additional skills, and overtime opportunities.

How do you become a firefighter driver?

To become a firefighter driver, you typically need to be a certified firefighter with a valid driver's license, often a commercial driver's license (CDL). Additional training in vehicle operation, emergency response procedures, and safety protocols is usually required, along with experience in firefighting and good driving records.

What are some unique challenges faced by firefighter drivers during emergency responses?

Firefighter drivers, also known as driver/operators, face unique challenges such as safely navigating large emergency vehicles through heavy traffic, adverse weather, and unfamiliar areas while under significant time pressure. They are responsible not only for reaching the scene quickly but also for operating complex equipment like pumps and aerial ladders, which requires a thorough understanding of hydraulics and apparatus mechanics. Additionally, they must maintain clear communication with the crew and incident command, often making quick decisions that impact the safety of both firefighters and the public. Regular training and situational awareness are crucial to effectively manage these challenges.

What is the average salary of a firefighter driver?

The average salary of a firefighter driver, also known as a fire apparatus operator or engineer, varies depending on location, experience, and department size. In the United States, firefighter drivers typically earn between $45,000 and $70,000 per year, with some larger cities and departments offering higher salaries. Overtime, certifications, and union agreements can also impact total compensation. For the most accurate information, it's best to check with local fire departments or government salary databases.

Can firefighters make $100,000?

Firefighter drivers, also known as fire apparatus operators, typically earn salaries below $100,000, with median wages often ranging from $45,000 to $75,000 annually depending on location, experience, and department size. Higher salaries may be available in certain urban areas or with additional certifications and overtime, but reaching $100,000 is uncommon for this role alone.

What is the difference between Firefighter Driver Salary vs Firefighter Equipment Operator Salary?

AspectFirefighter DriverFirefighter Equipment Operator
Required CredentialsFirefighter certification, driver’s license, EMT certificationFirefighter certification, specialized equipment operation license
Work EnvironmentFire stations, emergency scenes, driving fire trucksFire stations, maintenance of firefighting equipment, emergency scenes
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

Firefighter Drivers and Firefighter Equipment Operators both require firefighting certifications and work within fire departments. While Firefighter Drivers focus on operating fire trucks during emergencies, Firefighter Equipment Operators handle the maintenance and operation of firefighting equipment. Salary differences reflect these roles' responsibilities, with Firefighter Drivers typically earning slightly higher due to driving duties.

Is 27 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter driver salaries vary by location and experience, but starting a firefighting career at 27 is generally feasible. Many fire departments accept applicants in their late 20s and beyond, especially if they meet physical fitness, training, and certification requirements such as EMT or firefighter training. Age is less of a barrier than meeting the qualifications and passing the necessary tests.

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

To excel as a Firefighter Driver, you need expertise in emergency vehicle operation, firefighting techniques, and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent, often backed by firefighter certification. Familiarity with GPS navigation, fire apparatus controls, and communication systems like radios is essential. Strong decision-making, calmness under pressure, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These qualifications and skills ensure timely, safe response to emergencies and effective coordination with fire crews during critical incidents.
More about Firefighter Driver Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Driver Salary jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Driver Salary job openings:
What states have the most Firefighter Driver Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Driver Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Driver Salary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,998 per year, or $19.2 per hour.
FIREFIGHTER

FIREFIGHTER

Air National Guard Units

Newington, NH • On-site, Remote

$51K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Air National Guard rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a FIREFIGHTER, Position Description Number NGT5527000 and is part of the 157 Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a FIREFIGHTER (DRIVER-OPERATOR) (TITLE 5), GS-0081-6, you will drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, water tankers and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
Major Duties - This is NOT an all-inclusive list:
Drive and operate firefighting vehicles, such as pumpers, water tankers, and Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles.
Drive to the scene of the fire following a predetermined route or selecting an alternate when necessary and positions vehicle considering factors, such as wind direction, sources of water, hazards from falling structures, location of armament of aircraft, etc.
Operate pumps, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles, and other similar equipment.
Perform crash/rescue and firefighting duties at airfields handling predominantly large or complex aircraft (e.g. fighters, bombers, cargo, and passenger).
Perform standby duty during aircraft refueling and defueling, engine maintenance and testing, welding and burning on fueled and/or armed aircraft, ammunition handling, or other special circumstances.
Direct water through turrets and handlines to cool weapons and ammunitions during rescue.
Operate or deactivate specialized mechanisms and systems, such as hatch or canopy release mechanisms, ejection seat mechanisms, or oxygen supply systems.
Perform structural firefighting duties for a variety of facilities which may include research and/or large industrial complexes.
Perform pre-fire planning by physically going through structures to become familiar with the layout, fire hazards, and location of fixed fire protection systems.
Participates in controlling and extinguishing fires by operating hoses, ladders, and hydrants.
Maintain firefighting equipment and fire station facilities.
NOTE: The Salary Range indicated in this announcement is for the basic GS pay scale and is not reflective of special firefighter pay for the applicable tour of duty.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • All positions require a security clearance and drug testing. Applicants must possess or be able to obtain at the appropriate clearance within one year of appointment. Applicants must pass a drug test prior to appointment.
  • Must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system as Airport Firefighter, HAZAMT Operations, Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply.
  • May be required to work over the standard tour of duty, overtime must be approved by the supervisor and Finance.
  • May require an approval of an age waiver based on requirements of the position.
  • This position is subject to recall aft er normal duty hours and is subject to an uncommon tour of duty: 72 hours work per week (144 hours per pay period) which includes evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
  • Must be able to pass pre-appointment and subsequent periodic medical examinations IAW DoD 6055.5M to determine fitness for continued performance of the duties of the position.
  • This position requires employees wear of a uniform and appropriate safety apparel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • This position has been designated "Essential Personnel" and may be subject to duty in preparation for, in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
  • Will be required to work other than normal duty hours/rotating shifts
  • Valid State driver's license is required.
  • Must have all certifications for Firefighter, HazMat Operations, Airport Firefighter
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Must possess and maintain current National Registry Emergency Responder and obtain a State of NH Providers license

Qualifications
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must possess work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position as a firefighter.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must possess one-year specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(1) controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade; (2) rescue operations; (3) detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards; (4) operation of fire communications equipment; (5) controlling hazardous materials incidents and/or (6) developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention.
Must possess experience as a firefighter engaged in airfield and structural firefighting.
The incumbent of this position must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system or equivalent as Airport Firefighter (Includes Firefighter I, II), HAZAMT Operations (Includes HAZMAT Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply. Must possess and maintain current National Registry Emergency Responder and obtain a State of NH Providers license.
Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.
Education
Must be certified by the DoD Firefighter Certification system or equivalent as Airport Firefighter (Includes Firefighter I, II), HAZAMT Operations (Includes HAZMAT Awareness), Apparatus Driver Operator-Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Apparatus Driver Operator - Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator - Mobile Water Supply. Must possess and maintain current National Registry Emergency Responder and obtain a State of NH Providers license.
Must upload proof of certifications. Failure to upload information will result in applicant not being considered for the position.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
VETERANS PREFERENCE
You must provide legible copy/copies of the following: DD-214 (member 4 copy), "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD). The Statement of Service/Proof of Service must provide all dates of service, the expected date of discharge (must be within 120 days of discharge) and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Veterans should upload their DD-214 once they receive it upon separation.
ARE YOU A DISABLED VETERAN or CLAIMING 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE?
Disabled veterans, veterans, widows, spouses or the mother of a veteran, who are eligible for 10-point veterans' preference, are required to provide legible copies of all supporting documentation to validate your claim of Veterans Preference eligibility with your application at the time of submission.
ARE YOU AN ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBER? Active Duty Service Members are required to submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The statement of service must be submitted with the application packet. Service members expected discharge or release from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions must be within 120 days after the statement of service is submitted by the applicant.
A certification letter/statement of service must be submitted with the application packet. Service members expected discharge or release from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions must be within 120 days after the certification letter/statement of service is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter/statement of service should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.
Hiring an applicant who retired from Active Duty (includes AGR) for T5 NG Employee positions. In accordance with DOD Instruction 1402.01 (Employment of Retired Members of the Armed Forces), a retired member of an active duty component cannot be hired for civilian positions in the competitive and excepted service within 180 days of retirement unless an approved waiver is accomplished prior to official start date.
This position is covered under Special Retirement Coverage (SRC) as stated in the Position Description.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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