$65/hr
Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Firefighter I Pay Range: $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Job ...
New
$65/hr
Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Firefighter I Pay Range: $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Job ...
New
$65/hr
Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Firefighter I Pay Range: $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Job ...
New
Centennial, CO · On-site
$72K/yr
INVITATION ONLY RECRUITMENT ENTRY-LEVEL & EXPERIENCED FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT FOR SPRING 2027-1 ACADEMY Firefighter Recruit Wage $72,074 APPLICATION DUE 8/28/2026 11:59 p.m. MST This is an invitation ...
Centennial, CO · On-site
$72K/yr
INVITATION ONLY RECRUITMENT ENTRY-LEVEL & EXPERIENCED FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT FOR SPRING 2027-1 ACADEMY Firefighter Recruit Wage $72,074 APPLICATION DUE 8/28/2026 11:59 p.m. MST This is an invitation ...
Centennial, CO · On-site
$114K/yr
ENTRY-LEVEL PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT $83,980 - Paramedic Recruit Wage during academy $98,798/year - Paramedic Grade IV (less than 3 years of Paramedic experience) after academy $114,323/year ...
Centennial, CO · On-site
$114K/yr
ENTRY-LEVEL PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT $83,980 - Paramedic Recruit Wage during academy $98,798/year - Paramedic Grade IV (less than 3 years of Paramedic experience) after academy $114,323/year ...
Montrose, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Montrose, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Woodland Park, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Woodland Park, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Buffalo Creek, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Buffalo Creek, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Monte Vista, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Monte Vista, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Red Feather Lakes, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Red Feather Lakes, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Lake George, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Lake George, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Yampa, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Yampa, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Fort Carson, CO · On-site
$63K/yr
... recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the ... Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous)Qualifications: Who May ...
Fort Carson, CO · On-site
$63K/yr
... recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the ... Click here for more information on SRC for Firefighters (Primary/Rigorous)Qualifications: Who May ...
Del Norte, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Del Norte, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Salida, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Salida, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Nederland, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Nederland, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
La Jara, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
La Jara, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Saguache, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Saguache, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Idaho Springs, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Idaho Springs, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Gunnison, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
Gunnison, CO · On-site
$48K/yr
The incumbent serves on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization and performs wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot ...
$30K - $36.8K
4% of jobs
$36.8K - $43.6K
9% of jobs
$48K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$43.6K - $50.5K
18% of jobs
The median wage is $56.5K / yr.
$50.5K - $57.3K
21% of jobs
$57.3K - $64.1K
14% of jobs
$69.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$64.1K - $71K
11% of jobs
$71K - $77.8K
8% of jobs
$77.8K - $84.6K
5% of jobs
$84.6K - $91.5K
4% of jobs
$91.5K - $98.3K
3% of jobs
$98.3K - $105.2K
2% of jobs
$30K
$62.7K
$105.2K
| Aspect | Firefighter Recruit | Firefighter |
|---|---|---|
| Required Certifications | CPR, EMT, Firefighter I & II certifications | Same certifications, plus additional training and experience |
| Work Environment | Training academy, probation period, supervised fire stations | Full-duty fire stations, emergency response, community engagement |
| Job Responsibilities | Learning firefighting skills, assisting in drills, basic emergency response | Responding to fires, rescues, medical emergencies, community safety |
The main difference between a Firefighter Recruit and a Firefighter is that the recruit is in training and gaining necessary certifications, while a Firefighter has completed training and actively responds to emergencies. The recruit stage focuses on learning and observation, whereas the Firefighter role involves full operational duties.
For Firefighter Recruit jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
The top searched job categories for Firefighter Recruit jobs in Colorado are:
Cities in Colorado with the most Firefighter Recruit job openings:

$65/hr
Full-time
Posted 3 days ago
New
Participate in the multi-step hiring process including online application, written test, CPAT, personal history questionnaire, reference checks, structured oral interview, physical and psych evaluations, and background checks.
Attend a condensed 10-week certified fire academy if selected for the certified firefighter track.
Ensure possession of required certifications such as Firefighter I & II, FEMA/ICS courses, EVOC, CPR, Hazmat Operations, and Virginia EMT or Nationally Registered EMT.
7.7
Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
486th of 855 rated public administrative organizations
Job Posting End Date:
Department:
FIRECompensation Grade:
Y21Compensation Range & Starting Salary:
Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):
NoScheduled Weekly Hours:
40About Us:
Recognized as one of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.
Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:
The City of Virginia Beach is hiring Firefighters. This posting is for bothFirefighter Recruitapplicants andCertified Firefighterapplicants interested in being considered for an April 2027 fire academy.
Required Certifications for Certified Firefighter:
The hiring process for both takes approximately 6-months long and involves a multi-step process which includes the following:
Towards the end of the hiring process, VBFD Training Staff will check certifications to ensure reciprocity and interest for a Certified Firefighter academy. If there is enough interest, then those that are selected will be pulled into a condensed 10-week certified academy. If there are not enough candidates,
NOTE: All dates are subject to change.
Written Test
The Virginia Beach Fire Department offers full testing services for the position of Firefighter Recruit through National Testing Network (NTN). To register with NTN and schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select 'Find Jobs', then select Firefighter Jobs and sign up for Virginia Beach Fire Department.
When you visit thewww.nationaltestingnetwork.comwebsite:
The VBFD will be offering in-person written testing on November 7, 2026. Candidates that plan to test in-person with our department will be able to test free of charge. For those interested in testing in-person, please be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Test slots will be extremely limited, and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Candidates must have submitted an application in order to test with our department. If you have signed up for an in-person written test session but have not applied, your appointment will be cancelled. Sign ups for in-person testing will close two (2) days prior to testing.
All other candidates will have to take the written test remotely and pay a one-time $65 fee at time of registration OR a $15 transfer fee to transfer your score to our department. For candidates unable to pay the one-time $65 fee will need to fill out the Voucher Request and be able to demonstrate financial hardship through a brief written statement and limited documentation. Vouchers must be received by no later than 5 days prior to the last day of testing.We will be accepting written test results until November 8, 2026.
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Please review the CPAT Resources posted on theVirginia Beach Fire Department websitefor further information. Candidates can sign-up for a day/time that works best for their schedule.
The VBFD will accept valid CPAT cards issued by IAFF-licensed agencies within the preceding 12-months from the end of VBFD CPAT Testing (November 13, 2025 - November 13, 2026).
Structured Oral Interviews (SOIs)
Candidates that successfully complete the written test and CPAT will be invited to complete the Structured Oral Interview (SOI). Interviews are set to take place November 30, 2026 - December 4, 2026.
Candidates that score highly on the SOI will move forward and will receive a conditional offer. Final offers are contingent on successful completion of all post-offer assessments.
Additional requirements:
DMV Transcript: Yes
CDL: No
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
CPS Check: Yes
Physical: Yes
Respirator: Yes
Psychological Screening: Yes
Polygraph: No
At Will: No
Minimum Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications: Requires high school or GED or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Requires a passing score on department's written examination and vision test. Requires a passing time on the physical agility test. Requires a polygraph test evaluating personal employment history, criminal history, drug use, and other job-related background disqualifiers. Must be classified as fit for employment by the Occupational Health Office and able to pass the Department's annual physical assessment test. Must refrain from using all tobacco products on and off the job. Must have a current and valid driver's license.Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.Skills:
Working Conditions:
Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City's business.Official Job Descriptions:
To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.
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