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Firefighter Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$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

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$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 ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA · On-site

$42K/yr

Hazardous Material Technician Driver/Operator Pumper Driver/Operator Aerial NOTE: FIREFIGHTER SPECIAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Firefighter/Paramedic

Calimesa, CA · On-site

Fire Control 3 * Driver Operator 1A (within 6 Months) * Licenses * Valid California Class C Driver's License * Valid State of California Paramedic License, Riverside County Endorsement * Valid CPR ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA · On-site

$42K/yr

Hazardous Material Technician Driver/Operator Pumper Driver/Operator Aerial NOTE: FIREFIGHTER SPECIAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE: Title 5 U.S.C. 3307 authorizes the head of any agency to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirefighter Driver JobsFirefighter Driver Jobs in California

Firefighter Driver information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$58.8K

$98.7K

How much do firefighter driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter driver 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 driver?

Firefighter Drivers, also known as Fire Apparatus Operators or Engineer Drivers, are firefighters trained to operate and drive fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles. They are responsible for safely transporting crew members to emergency scenes and ensuring that all equipment arrives in good working order. In addition to driving, they handle the operation of pumps, aerial ladders, and other specialized apparatus at the scene. Firefighter Drivers must have a thorough knowledge of vehicle mechanics, safety protocols, and local routes to respond quickly and efficiently during emergencies.

What are some unique challenges firefighter drivers face during emergency responses?

Firefighter drivers, also known as driver/operators or engineers, encounter unique challenges such as navigating large emergency vehicles through traffic and tight streets under stressful, time-sensitive conditions. They must remain highly alert to changing road situations, ensure the safety of the crew and public, and operate complex equipment like pumps and aerial ladders upon arrival. Additionally, they often assist with scene setup and may be responsible for maintaining the vehicle and equipment readiness throughout their shift.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter Driver, you need a solid understanding of fire suppression techniques, emergency response procedures, and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent certification. Familiarity with fire apparatus, hydraulic systems, GPS navigation, and radio communication tools is typically required. Strong situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and effective operation of emergency vehicles, timely response, and the overall safety of both crew and community during emergencies.

What is the difference between Firefighter Driver vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter DriverFirefighter
Required CertificationsFirefighter certification, driver/operator licenseFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperate fire engines, drive emergency vehicles, assist in firefightingRespond to fires, rescue operations, and emergency medical calls
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency response agencies

Firefighter Drivers specialize in operating fire apparatus and driving emergency vehicles, while Firefighters focus on firefighting, rescue, and medical assistance. Both roles require firefighting certification, but Firefighter Drivers also need a valid driver’s license for emergency vehicles. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths within fire services.

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 often require certifications such as EMT or paramedic training and work in high-pressure environments with irregular hours.

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

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

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

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

Firefighter Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,826 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

FIREFIGHTER

US Department of the Navy

Barstow, CA • On-site

$46K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various Department of the Navy Commands, including but not limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:GS-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade performing any of the following tasks; 2) Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Operating fire communications equipment; and 5) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-05:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Performing structural and crash firefighting duties; 2) Operating firefighting communication equipment; 3) Using firefighting equipment such as: operating hoses, using ladders and hydrants; 4) Detecting the presence of potentially hazardous material. 5) Maintaining firefighting equipment and fire station facilities, performing functional test and inspection of firefighting equipment.
NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Certifications for GS-06:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: 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 the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Certifications for GS-05:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I\II and HAZMAT Operations. The certifications must have been awarded by DOD, IFSAC, or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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