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Firefighter Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lateral Firefighter

Apex, NC · On-site

$64K - $79K/yr

Firefighter Salary Range: $64,679.06 - $79,225.95 Senior Firefighter Salary Range: $68,278.29 - $83,639.30 MISSION STATEMENT To selflessly serve by proactive risk reduction, operational readiness ...

Firefighter

Rawlins, WY · On-site

$47K/yr

Firefighter Salary Information: $3,397 - $4,620 per month or $47,944 per year Benefit Information: * Health insurance with dental and optical options * Vacation, * Holiday, and sick leave48/96 hour ...

Firefighter

Rawlins, WY · On-site

$47K/yr

Firefighter Salary Information: $3,397 - $4,620 per month or $47,944 per year Benefit Information: * Health insurance with dental and optical options * Vacation, * Holiday, and sick leave48/96 hour ...

Unclassified Firefighter Salary: $50,347.44 - $65,061.36 Annually Location: 28280 N Main St Daphne, AL Job Type: FULL TIME Job Number: DAP-00517 Department: FIRE Division: FIRE Opening Date: 08/21 ...

Firefighter

Hoover, AL · On-site

$54K - $83K/yr

Firefighter (EMT or higher): $54,121.60 - $83,969.60 ... Fire Medic (Paramedic): $59,924.80 - $92,996.80 Starting salary may be adjusted depending on ...

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Firefighter Salary information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do firefighter salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter salary in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do firemen make good money?

Firefighter salaries vary by location and experience, but they generally earn a median annual wage that is competitive within public safety roles. In addition to base pay, firefighters often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, reflecting the demanding nature of the job and the need for specialized training and certifications.

Is 27 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter careers typically have no upper age limit, and starting at 27 is common. Many firefighters begin training in their late teens or early twenties, but individuals can pursue certification and training at 27 or older, provided they meet physical and background requirements.

What are the typical career progression opportunities for firefighters, and how does salary increase with advancement?

Firefighters often have clear career progression paths, such as moving from entry-level firefighter to roles like driver/engineer, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief. With each promotion, responsibilities increase, often including leadership, administration, and specialized tasks, which are reflected in higher salaries. Fire departments may also offer additional pay for certifications, overtime, and specialized roles (e.g., hazardous materials technician). Pursuing further education, certifications, and demonstrating strong performance can accelerate advancement and corresponding salary growth.

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

To thrive as a Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and completion of firefighter training programs, often supported by EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and incident command systems is essential. Outstanding teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure are soft skills that set top firefighters apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure effective emergency response, personal safety, and the protection of the community during high-risk situations.

What is the difference between Firefighter Salary vs Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Salary?

AspectFirefighter SalaryEmergency Medical Technician (EMT) Salary
Required CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT certification often requiredEMT certification, sometimes advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentFire stations, emergency scenes, rescue operationsAmbulances, emergency scenes, hospitals
Employer & IndustryFire departments, municipal agenciesAmbulance services, hospitals, fire departments
Common Search & ComparisonFirefighter SalaryEMT Salary

Firefighter and EMT salaries are closely related as both roles involve emergency response and require similar certifications. Firefighters typically earn higher salaries due to the broader scope of responsibilities, including fire suppression and rescue operations. EMTs focus on providing emergency medical care and often have lower salaries but are essential in emergency services. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path based on credentials, work environment, and salary expectations.

What is the average salary of a firefighter?

The average salary of a firefighter in the United States varies depending on location, experience, and rank. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual wage for firefighters was around $52,500. Entry-level firefighters typically earn less, while those with more years of experience or in supervisory positions can earn substantially more. Some metropolitan areas and departments may offer higher salaries due to cost of living or increased demand.

Can firefighters make $100,000?

Firefighters can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with overtime, experience, specialized skills, or in high-cost-of-living areas. However, base salaries typically range from around $40,000 to $70,000, with higher earnings often resulting from additional pay for hazardous conditions or leadership roles.

What firefighter gets paid the most?

Firefighter salaries vary based on experience, location, and rank. Typically, fire chiefs or senior officers earn the highest salaries within fire departments, often supplemented by additional responsibilities, certifications, and overtime pay. These leadership roles can significantly increase overall compensation compared to entry-level firefighters.
More about Firefighter Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Firefighter Salary jobs? Cities with the most Firefighter Salary job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter Salary jobs? The most popular types of Firefighter Salary jobs are:
What states have the most Firefighter Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighter Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighter Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$64K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

TOWN OF APEX
invites applications for the position of:
Lateral Firefighter (with an ability to promote to Senior Firefighter, Relief Drivers, during your first year)
ABOUT THIS POSITION:
EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: Lateral Firefighter: $64,679.06
WORK LOCATION: One of Six Fire Stations located in the Apex Fire District
SCHEDULE: 24-Hour rotation
POSTING CLOSING DATE: open until filled
A detailed resume and a copy of all certifications must be included with your application. Applications without this information will not proceed in the hiring process.
Are you ready to turn a job into a career? The Town of Apex has openings for the rank of Lateral Firefighters with the ability to promote to Senior Firefighters (Relief Drivers) during your first year.
The following are the salary ranges for the Firefighter and Senior Firefighter positions:
Firefighter Salary Range: $64,679.06 - $79,225.95
Senior Firefighter Salary Range: $68,278.29 - $83,639.30
MISSION STATEMENT
To selflessly serve by proactive risk reduction, operational readiness, and effective response in the pursuit of organizational excellence.
Learn more about Apex Fire Department
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
In this position you will perform responsible fire suppression, rescue, and incident response activities on an assigned shift in the fire department. Firefighters participate in the operations of fire suppression, rescue, incident response, and daily maintenance activities at the fire station.
These activities involve firefighting, performing emergency medical service response, facility and equipment maintenance, participation in all-hazard incident response as called-upon and multidiscipline cognitive and physical training. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment and requires the employee to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training. Ability to make effective decisions under pressure is required in all aspects of emergency response work.
The employee is subject to the hazards associated with incident response work including working in inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold temperatures, loud noise, vibration, moving parts, high heat, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, wearing respirators, and working in close quarters. The employee is also subject to OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens.
Work is performed under regular supervision of the assigned station's Company Officer and is evaluated through observation, conferences, and written reports concerning the quality and effectiveness of work completed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A FIREFIGHTER:
Respond to fire alarms and participates in fire suppression activities; participates in operations level hazardous materials incident mitigation; responds to emergency medical calls and provides EMT at the basic level; responds to and provides technical rescue services.
Participates in on-going training activities to increase and maintain skill levels as emergency responder.
Inspects station and equipment for proper appearance and condition.
Performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and related facilities.
Inspects, cleans, and maintains fire hydrants and hoses, tests proper operation and maintains maintenance records.
Assists with the preparation of fire reports; participates in special projects as required.
Conducts pre-incident surveys.
Conducts station tours; makes fire prevention talks at the station and in schools and other settings.
Obtains the required amount of training hours as mandated by the department.
Assists the fire engineer with apparatus checks, ensuring that the apparatus is in a state of readiness.
Works to ensure that the station and grounds are kept clean and presentable.
Follows departmental guidelines related to the maintenance of apparatus, equipment and facilities.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GED, and at least 1 year of fire service experience or a graduate of an approved fire academy.
Possess IFSAC/Pro-Board or approved certifications of completion for or have reciprocity documentation for:
  • Firefighter II
  • NCOEMS EMT-Basic
  • Hazardous Materials Operations Level I
  • NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800
  • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications but not required.
  • Technical Rescuer certification
  • Technical Rescuer Vehicle certification
  • Child Passenger Safety Seat Tech certification

** The physical agility, written test, and interviews will be conducted the week of July 20, 2026 at the Wake County Fire Training Center.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A SENIOR FIREFIGHTER
Responds to fire alarms and participates in fire suppression activities; participates in operations level hazardous materials incident mitigation; responds to emergency medical calls and provides EMT at the basic level; responds to and provides technical rescue services.
Participates in on-going training activities to increase and maintain skill levels as an emergency responder.
Inspects station, and equipment for proper appearance and condition.
Performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and related facilities.
Inspects, cleans, and maintains fire hydrants and hoses, tests for proper operation and maintains maintenance records.
Assists with the preparation fire reports; participates in special projects as required.
Conducts pre-incident surveys.
Conducts station tours; makes fire prevention talks at the station and in schools and other settings.
Obtains the required amount of training hours as mandated by the department.
Assists the fire engineer with apparatus checks, ensuring that the apparatus is in a state of readiness.
Works to ensure that the station and grounds are kept clean and presentable.
Fills in as a relief engineer when needed.
Operates emergency apparatus in a safe and responsible manor.
Follows departmental guidelines related to the maintenance of apparatus, equipment and facilities.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED, 3-years of fire service experience in a full-time career department.
Possess IFSAC/Pro-Board or approved certifications of completion for or have reciprocity documentation for:
  • Firefighter II
  • NCOEMS EMT-Basic
  • Hazardous Materials Operations Level I
  • NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800
  • Technical Rescuer (TR)
  • Technical Rescuer - Vehicle (TR-V)
  • Emergency Vehicle Driver (EVD)
  • Driver Operator Pumps Certified
  • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license, non-CDL Class B

Preferred Qualifications but not required.
  • Child Passenger Safety Seat Tech certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Skill in teamwork, collaborative conflict resolution and customer service excellence.
Knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and members of the public.
Ability to make sound judgements in emergency situations.
Ability to prepare records of work activities.
Ability to operate or learn to operate all required equipment and apparatus.
Ability to maintain physical standards as required by the department.
Ability to complete emergency and non-emergency tasks effectively while requiring a minimum degree of supervision.
Ability to make effective decisions under pressure is required in all aspects of emergency response work.
Ability to utilize tools and PPE associated with emergency incidents effectively without disregarding safety practices.
Ability to follow directions of the company officer effectively.
Demonstrates an appropriate level of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with services rendered by the department.
Demonstrates the ability to retain knowledge and skills necessary to perform tasks, requires minimal re-training.
Demonstrates a sound knowledge of departmental rules, policies, and procedures.
Assists the fire engineer with apparatus checks, ensuring that the apparatus Is in a state of readiness.
Works to ensure that the station and grounds are kept clean and presentable.
Regularly completes a physical fitness routine while on-duty.
Completes the annual "Fit for Duty" fitness evaluation.
HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE:
** The physical agility, written test, and interviews will be conducted the week of July 20, 2026 at the Wake County Fire Training Center.
The applicant must pass the written test with a 70% score or better to move onto the agility test. Each test will be graded after completion. More information will be sent to those invited to the written and agility testing.
WHO WE ARE:
Known as "The Peak of Good Living", the Town of Apex is a rapidly growing Wake County municipality with a current population of over 84,000 and has been ranked as Money Magazine's Best Place to Live in America. Our current workforce is comprised of over 680 full-time employees and over 125 part-time/seasonal staff. Our Human Resources Department - with the support and confidence of Town leadership - is committed to providing best-in-class HR programs for our employees, with a mission to create a culture of empowerment and accountability that maximizes individual and organizational potential. We offer a generous benefits package, and have a highly competitive compensation program. More than that, the Town is an awesome place to work, as evidenced by our high job satisfaction rating received in the last employee opinion survey.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Not only is the Town "The Peak of Good Living", but it's also a great place to work! We strive to "reach the peak" of being an employer of choice by providing competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including:
  • Free medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees.
  • 5% contributions to the NC401(k) retirement plans (no matching required)
  • Participation in the Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)
  • Traditional sick and vacation leave
  • 80 hours Peak Paid Time Off
  • $1,200 Peak Lifestyle Benefit payment provided to pay for health and wellness activities (after completion of probation)
  • 8 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
  • 3 weeks of Paid Caregiver Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Longevity Pay
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Expansive wellness program, and more!

KEEP IN MIND:
Providing a safe work environment for our employees is a top priority, therefore all new hires must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test, post-offer functional testing (if required by position), background verifications including references, criminal record and driver's license checks prior to employment. Some positions may also require SBI fingerprinting as part of the background screening process.
The Town of Apex provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation or marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.