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Firefighter Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter

Ashland, KY · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Firefighter (U.S. Army). Job Type: Full-time or Part-time. Salary: $40,000 - $80,000 per year. Enlistment is required for this position. Job Summary: As an Army Firefighter, you'll have the vital ...

Firefighter City of Covington, Kentucky Fire Department Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Salary: $54,852.43 - $86,306.71 (Competitive Based on Experience + State Incentive Pay) Important Testing ...

Firefighter City of Covington, Kentucky Fire Department Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Salary: $54,852.43 - $86,306.71 (Competitive Based on Experience + State Incentive Pay) Important Testing ...

Firefighter

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$41K/yr

Position Purpose Under close supervision, performs firefighting, fire prevention, and operating duties. Essential Functions and Basic Duties * Responds to fire alarms. * Performs essential job tasks ...

LATERAL FIREFIGHTER PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION The purpose of this classification is to perform firefighting and rescue operations in emergency situations, such as structural fires, motor vehicle ...

Certified Firefighter

Danville, KY · On-site

$54K - $70K/yr

Firefighter Pay Classification: Non-Exempt Job Classification: Full-Time Pay Grade: Firefighter Location: 461 West Main St, Danville, KY 40422 Department: Fire Responsible To: Fire Chief Position ...

Certified Firefighter

Danville, KY · On-site

$54K - $70K/yr

Firefighter Pay Classification: Non-Exempt Job Classification: Full-Time Pay Grade: Firefighter Location: 461 West Main St, Danville, KY 40422 Department: Fire Responsible To: Fire Chief Position ...

$23.88 - $30.94/hr

Serves as a hose operator in firefighting situations including laying hose lines, pulling working lines, holding the nozzle to direct the stream of water on the fire. Inspects commercial, residential ...

Industrial firefighter experience * Hazardous Materials Technician * NIMS Training 100, 200, 700, 800 Benefits: * 401 (k) * Insurance: medical, vision and dental * Short-term disability * Critical ...

Industrial firefighter experience * Hazardous Materials Technician * NIMS Training 100, 200, 700, 800 Benefits: * 401 (k) * Insurance: medical, vision and dental * Short-term disability * Critical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Firefighter information

See Kentucky salary details

$24.8K

$51.8K

$86.9K

How much do firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter in Kentucky is $51,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $59,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 expertise, and completion of firefighter training programs—often including EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems like radios and dispatch software is vital. Strong teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safety, effective emergency response, and saving lives in high-risk situations.

What do firefighters do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many Firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

What are some common challenges firefighters face during emergency response, and how are they supported in handling them?

Firefighters often encounter physically and emotionally demanding situations, such as working in hazardous environments, responding to unpredictable emergencies, and witnessing traumatic events. To help manage these challenges, fire departments provide comprehensive training, strong teamwork, and access to peer support or counseling programs. Regular drills, debriefings after major incidents, and a culture of open communication also play key roles in supporting firefighters' well-being and effectiveness on the job.

How do you become a firefighter?

To become a firefighter, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and education requirements, complete firefighter training at a state-approved academy, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and EMT. Applicants often must pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and written exams, and may need to gain experience as a volunteer or in related emergency services.

How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Becoming a firefighter typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by fire academy training which lasts about 12 to 14 weeks. Candidates often need to pass physical fitness tests, written exams, and background checks; some jurisdictions also require EMT certification, which can add several months to the process.

Is 25 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter careers typically have no maximum age limit, and many departments accept applicants in their mid-20s and older. Physical fitness, passing required tests, and obtaining necessary certifications are essential, regardless of age. Age should not be a barrier if you meet the qualifications and are prepared for the training and physical demands of the job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Firefighter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Firefighter jobs in KY?

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

Infographic showing various Firefighter job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,770 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Firefighter

U.S. Army

Ashland, KY • On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 494 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Firefighter (U.S. Army).

Job Type: Full-time or Part-time.
Salary: $40,000 – $80,000 per year.
Enlistment is required for this position.
 
Job Summary:
As an Army Firefighter, you’ll have the vital task of protecting peoples’ lives and property from fire, much like their civilian counterparts. You’ll control and prevent fires, not only in Army structures, but also aboard aircraft and ships. You’ll supervise and conduct firefighting, rescue, salvage, and fire protection operations, and you’ll perform emergency response duties during hazardous materials incidents.

Basic Qualifications:
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder).
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Age 17–42.
  • Must meet enlistment standards (health, legal, physical).
  • No felonies or open legal issues.
  • Must pass a drug screening and background check.
 
Benefits:
  • $40,000–$80,000 annual compensation.
  • Up to $40,000 enlistment bonus (for qualifying roles).
  • Housing, food, and medical coverage included.
  • Full dental, vision, and health insurance.
  • 30 days of paid vacation per year.
  • Tuition assistance and up to 100% college tuition coverage.
  • Retirement plan, life insurance, and relocation assistance.
  • Career training and advancement opportunities.

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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