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How much do firefighter equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for firefighter equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter equipment operator?

Firefighter Equipment Operators, also known as driver-engineers or apparatus operators, are firefighters who specialize in driving and operating fire apparatus such as fire engines, ladder trucks, and other emergency vehicles. They are responsible for transporting firefighters and equipment to emergency scenes safely, and for operating pumps, aerial ladders, and other specialized equipment during firefighting and rescue operations. In addition to their driving and equipment duties, they perform regular firefighter tasks and assist in maintaining the vehicles and apparatus to ensure they are always ready for emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by firefighter equipment operators during emergency responses?

Firefighter Equipment Operators often face the challenge of operating complex apparatus under high-pressure conditions, such as navigating large fire trucks through congested streets or difficult terrain. They must ensure all equipment is functioning properly, quickly deploy hoses or ladders, and coordinate closely with the firefighting team to support efficient operations. Balancing the need for speed with safety protocols is crucial, and adaptability is key when unexpected obstacles arise during emergencies.

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

Success as a Firefighter Equipment Operator requires a deep understanding of firefighting techniques, emergency response procedures, and a valid commercial driver’s license. Familiarity with fire apparatus, hydraulic systems, and radio communication equipment is crucial for effective operations. Strong decision-making, teamwork, and stress management skills help operators perform safely under pressure. Mastery of these skills ensures both public and crew safety while enabling efficient and reliable emergency response.

What is the difference between Firefighter Equipment Operator vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighter Equipment OperatorFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, equipment operation trainingFirefighter certification, emergency medical training
Work EnvironmentOperate fire apparatus, assist with equipment handlingRespond to fires, rescue, medical emergencies
Job DutiesDrive and maintain fire trucks, operate specialized equipmentFire suppression, rescue, first aid

Firefighter Equipment Operators focus on driving fire apparatus and handling specialized equipment, while Firefighters primarily respond to emergencies and perform rescue and fire suppression. Both roles require firefighting certifications, but Equipment Operators have additional training in equipment operation. The roles often work together on the fireground, with Equipment Operators supporting firefighting efforts through vehicle and equipment management.

What cities are hiring for Firefighter Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Firefighter Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Firefighter Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Firefighter Equipment Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Equipment Operator jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Firefighter Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Engineering Equipment Operator Helper)

Ratcliff, TX

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Serviceexternal

$26.79/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities.

  • Support other natural resource projects as needed.

  • Perform work related to mobile equipment operation, vehicle driving, and maintaining work practices.

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
This position assists the fire dozer operator with initial attack, fire, and fuels management activities. The helper assists in support of other natural resource projects.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic Requirement:
You must possess the Basic Requirements identified below to be considered eligible for this position. Your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the appropriate experience requirements to successfully perform the duties of Engineering Equipment Operator Helper.
Applicants will be evaluated on their ability to perform the duties of the position rather than length of experience. Eligibility will be determined by the relevance, scope and quality of all experience and training, regardless of where or how acquired. Applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified in this announcement.
Screen-out Job Elements: Applicants who do not meet the screen-out job elements will not be further evaluated.
  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
In addition to the above requirements, applicants will be assessed based on their knowledge of the job elements identified below:
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles (such as automobiles, pickup trucks, or vans to perform such duties as cutting, moving, digging, grading, and rolling earth, sand, stone, and other materials on flat and stable terrain).
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles) Reliability and Dependability as an Engineering Equipment Operator
  • Ability to Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
Selective Placement Factors:
  • Position may be required to drive vehicles that require a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License, based on type or kind of equipment being operated.
  • Incumbent is subject to medical screening and must meet the Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards for moderate level duty wildland firefighting

Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the MODERATE level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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