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Firefighter Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Harrisonburg, VA

Firefighter

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$53K - $57K/yr

All individuals, including those without prior firefighter training, are encouraged to apply. This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, applicants are strongly ...

James City County

Certified Firefighter

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$55K/yr

Firefighter/Paramedic) distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee. Firefighter I: $55,910 or DOQ Firefighter II: $59,838 or DOQ Firefighter III: $64,066 or ...

JAMES CITY COUNTY

Firefighter Recruit

Williamsburg, VA

$55K/yr

Firefighter Recruit Apply now Job no: 40000372 Work type: Full Time Location: Williamsburg Categories: Emergency Services Job Summary $55,910 / year or higher DOQ + Full-Time County Benefits Performs ...

James City County

Firefighter Recruit

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$55K/yr

Firefighter/Paramedic) distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee. Firefighter I: $55,910 or DOQ Firefighter II: $59,838 or DOQ Firefighter III: $64,066 or ...

City of Winchester, VA

Firefighter/EMT

Winchester, VA · On-site

$57K/yr

AND if you are a Firefighter/ Paramedic , we will pay you a $10,000 Hiring Bonus and include an additional $12,000 in your annualized salary. Duties and Responsibilities As a certified Firefighter ...

City of Winchester

Firefighter/EMT

Winchester, VA · On-site

$57K/yr

AND if you are a Firefighter/Paramedic, we will pay you a $10,000 Hiring Bonus and include an additional $12,000 in your annualized salary Duties and Responsibilities As a certified Firefighter/EMT ...

City of Harrisonburg

Firefighter

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$53K - $57K/yr

All individuals, including those without prior firefighter training, are encouraged to apply. This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, applicants are strongly ...

Warren County, VA

Firefighter/EMT

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$53K/yr

Description COUNTY OF WARREN DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND RESCUE FIREFIGHTER/EMT The County of Warren is seeking qualified and experienced individuals to form an eligibility list and fill current and/or ...

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All JobsFirefighter JobsFirefighter Jobs in Virginia

Firefighter information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$59.1K

$99.1K

How much do firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter in Virginia is $59,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $68,400.00 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.
More about Firefighter jobs

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

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

The top searched job categories for Firefighter jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Firefighter job openings:

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

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

Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Firefighter job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,095 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Firefighter

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

City of Harrisonburg, VA
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about City of Harrisonburg, VAexternal

$53K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform firefighting duties to respond to fire emergencies and protect life and property.

  • Participate in training and screenings such as DMV record review, criminal background check, medical evaluation, and drug screening.

  • Complete and submit a city employment application with education and work history information.

Job description

Salary : $53,438.84 - $57,435.04 Annually
Location : Harrisonburg, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 5517 - (Aug 2026)
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
Are you looking for a rewarding career that combines service, compassion, physical and mental toughness, and grit into one calling? The Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) is actively recruiting interested individuals for the position of Firefighter. All individuals, including those without prior firefighter training, are encouraged to apply. This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible to allow the Fire Department to provide timely guidance and support throughout the recruitment process.
The preferred hiring ranges are listed below. Applicants may be considered for the Firefighter level at which they qualify and a corresponding annual rate commensurate with applicant qualifications.
  • Firefighter Recruit (2,080 hours): $23.57 - $25.33 per hour (equivalent to $49,025 - $52,686 annually).
  • (2,756 hours): $19.39 - $20.84 per hour (equivalent to $53,438 - $57,435 annually).

Minimum Qualifications
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • At least 18 years of age by date of hire.
  • High School Diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Valid Driver's License.

Important Notes:
  1. Upon submitting an application, candidates will be contacted by the Fire Department with guidance on next steps based on responses to the supplemental questions.
  2. Successful applicants for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:
    • DMV record review;
    • Criminal background check;
    • Medical evaluation;
    • Drug screening; and
    • Personal History Statement.

Supplemental Information
To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application. All required fields on the online employment application must be completed, including your education history and work experience. Incomplete applications and applications with verification(s) of no prior education and/or work history will not be considered. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 08/27/2026)
The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS with Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits, & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave), and holidays.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including 15.5 observed holidays. More information on available benefits is listed on the City's website
01
Are you currently at least 18 years of age? If you respond "no" to this question, Human Resources will contact you for further information.
  • Yes
  • No

02
What is your highest level of education?
  • Less than 8th Grade
  • Completed 8th Grade
  • Attended High School
  • High School Graduate
  • GED
  • Attend College
  • College Graduate
  • Attended Graduate School
  • Master's Degree
  • Graduate study beyond Master's
  • Ph.D. or professional degree

03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Which of the following apply to you? Check all that apply. (Please note that the Regional Firefighter Testing referenced below is the local event hosted by the following agencies: City of Harrisonburg, City of Staunton, City of Waynesboro, Augusta County, Rockingham County, and Rockbridge County.)
  • I have registered and plan to attend the October 2026 Regional Firefighter Testing.
  • I have successfully completed the Regional Firefighter Testing, and my certificate of completion is valid as of the date of my application.
  • I am currently employed as a firefighter with one the following jurisdictions in Virginia: City of Harrisonburg, City of Staunton, City of Waynesboro, Augusta County, Rockingham County, or Rockbridge County.
  • I am currently employed as a firefighter with another fire agency.
  • None of the Above

05
Place a check mark beside any of the listed Virginia (or VA-equivalency) certification levels which you currently hold.
  • Firefighter I
  • Firefighter II
  • Instructor I
  • Instructor II
  • Instructor III
  • Instructor IV
  • Officer I
  • Officer II
  • Officer III
  • Officer IV
  • Driver/Pump Operator
  • HazMat Awareness
  • HazMat Operations
  • HazMat Technician/Specialist
  • Aerial Operator
  • EMT - Basic
  • EMT - Enhanced
  • EMT - Intermediate
  • EMT - Paramedic
  • Not Applicable / None

Required Question

Apply