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Firefighter Lieutenant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Battalion Chief, Lieutenant or Acting Officer. Authority: Firefighters may act as Acting Officers in the absence of a Platoon Officer. The Acting Officer will assume command and will have the ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Cudahy, WI · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

Battalion Chief, Lieutenant or Acting Officer. Authority: Firefighters may act as Acting Officers in the absence of a Platoon Officer. The Acting Officer will assume command and will have the ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Cudahy, WI · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

Battalion Chief, Lieutenant or Acting Officer. Authority: Firefighters may act as Acting Officers in the absence of a Platoon Officer. The Acting Officer will assume command and will have the ...

Firefighter Lieutenant information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.8K

$60.2K

$100.9K

How much do firefighter lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter lieutenant in Wisconsin is $60,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $69,600.00 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.

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 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.

How long does it take to be a fire 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 completion of relevant training and certifications. Advancement depends on department policies, individual performance, and additional qualifications such as fire officer courses. The process involves gaining experience, passing promotional exams, and often completing leadership development programs.

How much do firefighter lieutenants make in the US?

Firefighter lieutenants in the US typically earn an average annual salary between $60,000 and $85,000, depending on location, experience, and department size. They often hold leadership responsibilities, require certification, and work in emergency response environments with shift schedules.

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

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

Infographic showing various Firefighter Lieutenant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,164 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Firefighter/Paramedic

Under the general guidance and direction of the Fire Chief, Battalion Chief, Lieutenant and/or Acting Officer, a Firefighter/Paramedic is responsible for fire suppression, hazardous material response, rescue operations, emergency medical services, fire inspection, and vehicle and fire station maintenance. Please attach a resume. Supervisor: Battalion Chief, Lieutenant or Acting Officer. Authority: Firefighters may act as Acting Officers in the absence of a Platoon Officer. The Acting Officer will assume command and will have the authority of the Lieutenant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

  • A Firefighter-Paramedic has responsibility for the apparatus and for safely transporting apparatus and firefighters to and from fires and other situations. Performs duties as a Fire Department Driver/Operator.
  • Operates and performs preventative maintenance and checks on all Fire Department Stations, apparatus, equipment, tools and all other Fire Department property.
  • Responds to alarms as a member of a firefighting company and performs a variety of fire ground functions as the situation demands.
  • Responds as a member of a medical team to bring basic or advanced emergency medical care to the citizens of the community.
  • Prepares written reports and maintains records under supervision of a Battalion Chief, Lieutenant or Acting Officer.
  • Participates in daily training exercises and classroom lectures.
  • Performs duties as a Certified Firefighter-Paramedic according to criteria and standards set forth by the Department when assigned.
  • Responsible for cleanliness of station and maintenance of apparatus, tools, equipment and all other Fire Department property.
  • Conducts demonstrations, tours and public speeches on fire safety, fire prevention, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, first-aid, CPR and other subjects to the public.
  • Performs/conducts fire inspections in various occupancies in the City when assigned.
  • Regular, punctual and prompt attendance as required.
  • Ability to work flexible hours.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Prerequisite Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Citizenship: Citizen of the United States.

Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate, or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).

Certification/Licensing: All certification and licensing is required at the time of hire unless otherwise specified. Obtain and retain a valid Wisconsin driver's license with a good driving record throughout employment.

Nationally Registered as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic or currently in Paramedic School. Wisconsin Fire Fighter I Certification (NFPA-1001).

Wisconsin Fire Fighter II Certification (NFPA-1001) preferred. State of Wisconsin Fire Department Driver/Operator-Pumper and Aerial, Certification (NFPA-1002) preferred. Wisconsin Fire Inspector I Certification when assigned. Valid Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Certificate at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  1. Ability to effectively and tactfully communicate both orally and in writing with supervisors, peers and the public.
  2. Understand and follow work rules, policies, procedures, directives and Suggested Operating Guidelines.
  3. Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
  4. Ability to read, write and organize grammatically correct written reports and oral reports.
  5. Mathematics skills including addition and subtraction.
  6. Knowledge of national, state, and local laws and fire/safety codes.
  7. Knowledge of fire protection systems, water supply, building construction, direct fire and rescue operations, disasters, fire control and extinguishment of combustible and flammable materials.
  8. Skills in firefighting, fire inspection, fire scene command, public relations, patient care, code enforcement, property maintenance, equipment maintenance and facility maintenance.
  9. Fire Department administration.
  10. Good driving skills and driving record.
  11. Knowledge of Incident Command System, arson investigation and hazardous materials.
  12. Effective leadership and public speaking skills.
  13. Maintain confidentiality of Department and City matters.
  14. Analytical and problem solving skills including while under pressure or in dangerous situations.
  15. Ability to comprehend and follow instructions.
  16. Ability to analyze options and make sound decisions including while under pressure or in a dangerous situation within policy limits.
  17. Time management skills.
  18. Employee must be free of any medical or emotional condition that would adversely impact performance of duties.

Tools and Equipment Used:

  • Computer, calculator, copier, fax machine and two-way radio.
  • Camera and measuring devices.
  • Power tools, hand tools, chain saws, shovels, brooms, ladders, exhaust fans and generators.
  • Car, fire apparatus and ambulance.
  • Patient restraints, first aid equipment, oxygen, electronics test equipment, general medical equipment and patient lifting devices.
  • Breathing apparatus, protective toe footwear, hearing and eye protection, firefighting turnout clothing and hazardous chemical clothing.

Physical Demands of Position:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to:

  • stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
  • run, swim, grapple, climb, balance, bend, twist and reach
  • feel, talk and hear (normal range in normal office environment, corrected or uncorrected)
  • far vision acuity less than 20/40 binocular, corrected with glasses. Far visual acuity less than 20/100 binocular for wearers of glasses, uncorrected. No contacts. Color vision peripheral vision. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate various pieces of equipment.
  • lift, carry, push/pull 100 pounds or more
  • smell
  • handle, grasp and finger: fire hose, ladders, perform CPR, utilize patient lifting devices, etc.

Physical Ability:

  1. Stamina - Vent a roof, pull charged hose line: strip roof with tools; climb stairs with equipment; carry hose up multiple flights of stairs.
  2. Extent Flexibility - Roll/pull hose; remove ceiling with poles; push ladder to peak; reach out from ladder; chop with axe; extricate victim; overhaul burned building; remove building parts.
  3. Dynamic Flexibility - Chop with axe; pick up hose; advance hose; strip roof; perform CPR/chest compression.
  4. Static Strength - Carry hose; lift/carry victim/patient; move charged hose; lift ladder; move generator.
  5. Explosive Strength - Force entry with axe, battering ram; raise ladder; run up stairs with equipment; reach walls; pull advance hose; chop with axe to vent roof.
  6. Dynamic Strength - Climb ladders/stairs in full turn out with equipment; climb aerial ladder.
  7. Trunk Strength - Pull charged hose; perform CPR; pick up equipment at fire; hold hose on fire target; lift victim.
  8. Speed Limb Movement - Dodge debris; chop with axe;don SCBA; pump manual pump; exit burning building; operate/drive apparatus; operate aerial apparatus; perform CPR.
  9. Gross Body Coordination - Climb/descend ladder with victim; advance charged line while maintaining flow on target; walk across roof ridge; start/use power tools.
  10. Gross Body Equilibrium - Walk icy roof peak at night; carry patient down stairs; swing axe from ladder.
  11. Arm-Hand Steadiness - Take blood pressure/pulse; operate power tools; perform CPR; apply traction to limb/neck of victim; connect hose coupling.
  12. Manual Dexterity - Couple hoses; perform CPR; bandage patient; use tools/extraction equipment; use air bag ventilator; tie knots; use SCBA.
  13. Finger Dexterity - Maintain/operate SCBA equipment; bandage patient; remove object from patient airway with Magill forceps; tie knots; perform infant CPR.
  14. Near Vision - Patient assessment; read manuals/pump control panel.
  15. Far Vision - Drive to fire; visualization of fire conditions; see power lines for safe ladder placement; see addresses.
  16. Visual Color Discrimination - Determine fire status/hazards by smoke color