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Firefighter Lieutenant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Wayne County Airport Authority

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.

Pbjcal

Firefighter

Bessemer, MI · On-site

Work is performed within established policies and procedures and is reviewed by a Fire Lieutenant ... Firefighter I * Firefighter I/II * Certified Volunteer Firefighter* *Note that individuals who are ...

Pbjcal

Fire Paramedic

Bessemer, MI · On-site

... a Fire Lieutenant, Fire Captain, or Fire Chief. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Agencies provide ... Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification. * Passing score on the Candidate Physical Ability ...

All JobsFirefighter Lieutenant JobsFirefighter Lieutenant Jobs in Michigan

Firefighter Lieutenant information

See Michigan salary details

$24.8K

$52K

$87.2K

How much do firefighter lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter lieutenant in Michigan is $51,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $60,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighter lieutenant?

Firefighter Lieutenants are supervisory personnel in fire departments who oversee a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations. They are responsible for managing their crew’s safety, training, and performance, as well as ensuring that firefighting equipment is properly maintained. Firefighter Lieutenants also coordinate on-scene activities, make tactical decisions, and often serve as the link between firefighters and higher-ranking officers. Their leadership is crucial in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

How much do firefighter lieutenants make in the US?

Firefighter lieutenants in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on location, experience, and department size. They often hold certifications such as EMT or paramedic and have several years of firefighting experience before advancing to leadership roles.

How long does it take to be a firefighter lieutenant?

Becoming a firefighter lieutenant typically requires several years of experience as a firefighter, usually around 5 to 7 years, along with demonstrated leadership skills and successful completion of promotional exams. Candidates often need to complete specialized training and certifications, such as incident command or leadership courses, before advancing to this rank.

What are some common challenges faced by a firefighter lieutenant when leading a team during emergency responses?

A Firefighter Lieutenant often faces the challenge of making quick, critical decisions while ensuring the safety and coordination of their team during high-pressure situations. Balancing effective communication, resource allocation, and tactical planning can be demanding, especially when unexpected hazards arise. Additionally, Lieutenants must manage the stress and emotional well-being of their crew, as well as maintain clear communication with other emergency services. Successful Lieutenants are adaptable, calm under pressure, and skilled at fostering teamwork in dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Firefighter Lieutenant vs Firefighter Captain?

AspectFirefighter LieutenantFirefighter Captain
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Leadership trainingAll certifications of Lieutenant plus advanced leadership and management training
Work EnvironmentLeading fire crews during emergency responses, training, and station dutiesOverseeing multiple fire crews, strategic planning, and administrative responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services

The Firefighter Lieutenant primarily leads fire crews during emergency responses and station activities, requiring certifications like EMT and leadership training. The Firefighter Captain holds a higher supervisory role, managing multiple crews and handling administrative duties. Both roles are essential in fire departments, with the Captain overseeing broader operations and strategic planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter lieutenant?

To thrive as a Firefighter Lieutenant, you need advanced firefighting knowledge, emergency response leadership, and typically several years of firefighting experience along with relevant certifications such as Fire Officer I/II. Familiarity with incident command systems, firefighting apparatus, and emergency communication tools is essential. Strong decision-making, leadership, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate during high-pressure situations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, crew safety, and successful incident outcomes.

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter Lieutenant jobs in Michigan?

For Firefighter Lieutenant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Firefighter Lieutenant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Firefighter Lieutenant jobs in Michigan are:

Firefighter Lieutenant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter Lieutenant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,952 per year, or $25 per hour.

Firefighter

Wayne County Airport Authority

Detroit, MI • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Applicants must submit/attach proof of Firefighter II, HazMat, Paramedic certificate/license and physical agility certificate (if required) at time of application.
Firefighter
THIS POSITION IS REPRESENTED BY A UNION - IAFF 741
Annual Compensation Range ($USD): $68,819 entry to $89,466 after 4 years of service.
Additional Compensation Opportunities
  • Holiday Pay - up to $5,500 annually
  • Pay for Performance bonus - 2% of base pay
  • EMT/Paramedic bonus - up to $4,500 annually
  • ACLS Instructor bonus - up to $500 annually
  • Seniority bonus - $1,000 annually after 5 years of service
  • Miscellaneous bonus - up to $2,350 annually
  • Education incentive up to $1,000 annually for qualifying degree

Benefit Highlights
  • Defined Contribution retirement plan with 4% employee contribution & 10% employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP)
  • BCBS PPO or HAP Medical (10% premium share), dental, vision, prescriptions life insurance provided. High deductible health plan/HSA option
  • Annual uniform allowance
  • Paid parental leave program
  • Full academic degree and tuition reimbursement program (bachelor & master degree)
  • Generous PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, other) no waiting period before use
  • 10 Kelly days annually

Career Path Opportunities
  • Fire Lieutenant, Captain/Platoon, Captain/Training, Captain/Training, Battalion Chief

A Brief Overview
The Airport Firefighter performs various life, property, and environmental control activities. This includes Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and traditional structural fire control/prevention. Additionally, provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Airport's employees, tenants/contractors and the travelling public. Firefighters participate in an extensive training program that includes fire drills, operating apparatus, live burns, and training related to the maintenance of the State of Michigan Paramedics license. Firefighters assigned to a platoon and work 24-hr on, 48-hr off schedule.
This position is part of a twenty-four-hour, seven-day operation which requires employees to work on a twenty-four-hour platoon shift. This includes: weekends, holidays or an eight or ten-hour day shift, depending on the work assignment. There are four fire stations located at Detroit Metro Airport and Willow Run Airport. Firefighters may rotate between the stations and will also be required to work throughout the entire Airport complex and airfield at Detroit Metro and Willow Run.
What you will do
  • Responds to all emergency calls for service relative to the Fire Department for the Airport Authority jurisdiction, and other communities as specified in inter-governmental Mutual Aid agreements
  • Performs assigned duties in maintaining apparatus, living quarters, buildings, equipment and fire prevention - life safety systems
  • Drives and operates emergency vehicles and associated equipment
  • Conducts periodic first level vehicle equipment maintenance. Documents and reports needed repairs to Command Staff and the Equipment Repair Unit
  • Completes required or necessary forms and reports in a timely manner, routing them to the appropriate staff member for review and processing
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency
  • ST of MI Paramedic License
  • Valid Driver's License and a safe, acceptable driving record
  • MFFTC Fire Fighter II
  • MFFTC Hazardous Materials First Responder (Awareness Level)
  • Must have a valid certificate of completion of the written & Physical Agility Test (CPAT) administered by the Conference of Western Wayne Firefighter Testing program or its equivalent (OPAT) administered by Oakland Community College. Firefighters currently employed by a full-time Fire or Public Safety (combined Police/Fire) department are exempt from this requirement.

Testing Links:
https://www.schoolcraft.edu/testing-center/specialized-testing/firefighter-testing-program
https://www.oaklandcc.edu/emergency-services-training/fire/physicalagility
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Special Conditions
  • Must maintain the ability to qualify for a security ID badge.
  • Firefighters must reside within 75 miles of the Detroit Metropolitan or Willow Run airports.

The Wayne County Airport Authority is committed to provide an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination, prejudice, and bias. As part of this commitment, the Wayne County Airport Authority will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact humanresources@wcaa.us or (734) 942-3775.
Requisition #: req803

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