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Firefighting Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

Barstow, CA · On-site +1

$65K - $93K/yr

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider Instructor (CPR and AED Programs) * You will be required ... wild land firefighting, emergency medical response and treatment (e.g., Cardiopulmonary ...

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider Instructor (CPR and AED Programs) * You will be required ... wild land firefighting, emergency medical response and treatment (e.g., Cardiopulmonary ...

FIREFIGHTER (PARAMEDIC)

Bridgeport, CA · On-site +1

$61K - $80K/yr

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Instructor (CPR and ARD Programs). * You must obtain ... wild land firefighting, emergency medical response and treatment (e.g., Cardiopulmonary ...

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Showing results 1-20

Firefighting Instructor information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$58.8K

$117.4K

How much do firefighting instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting instructor in California is $58,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $64,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Firefighting Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighting InstructorFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighting certification, instructor certificationFirefighting certification, EMT certification often required
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-site trainingFire scenes, emergency response, fire stations
Primary RoleTeach firefighting techniques, safety protocols, and training programsRespond to fires, rescue operations, emergency response

While both roles require firefighting certifications, Firefighting Instructors focus on training and educating others in fire safety and techniques, often working in classrooms or training facilities. Firefighters, on the other hand, are primarily involved in responding to emergencies and fighting fires in the field. The two roles are interconnected but serve different functions within the fire service industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Firefighting Instructors when training new recruits?

Firefighting Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting training methods to suit recruits with varying experience levels and physical abilities. Ensuring safety during realistic, hands-on drills is a top priority and requires constant vigilance. Additionally, instructors must keep recruits engaged and motivated while teaching both technical skills and critical decision-making under pressure. Balancing administrative duties, such as developing curriculum and maintaining training records, alongside practical instruction is also a key aspect of the role.

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

To thrive as a Firefighting Instructor, you need extensive firefighting experience, relevant fire science certifications, and comprehensive knowledge of fire safety protocols. Familiarity with training simulators, instructional technology, and certification programs such as NFPA Instructor I or II is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities distinguish outstanding instructors in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively training future firefighters, ensuring safety, and maintaining high professional standards.

What are Firefighting Instructors?

Firefighting Instructors are professionals who teach and train individuals in the skills and knowledge needed for firefighting and emergency response. They design and lead courses on fire safety, rescue techniques, hazardous materials handling, and the use of firefighting equipment. Instructors often have significant field experience as firefighters themselves and use real-world scenarios to prepare trainees for emergencies. Their role is crucial in ensuring that firefighting personnel are well-prepared, safe, and effective when responding to fires and other incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Firefighting Instructor jobs in California? For Firefighting Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Firefighting Instructor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Firefighting Instructor jobs in California are:
EMT Clinical Instructor, 25% Per Diem

EMT Clinical Instructor, 25% Per Diem

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA

$30.56 - $60.82/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 11 days ago


UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 869 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

The UCLA Center for Prehospital Care (CPC) is the leading emergency and prehospital academic center on the West Coast. We are dedicated to advancing the systems and methods of EMS and teach, test, and certify the people who provide care to the ill or injured prior to hospital admission. EMT Clinical Instructors II provide skills presentations, and instruction in our basic life support programs including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), EMT recertification, and First Responder Medical Training for more than 1,000 students every year. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: providing demonstrations, and instructing students on the application of equipment and performance of practical skills, acting as a student advocate in the learning process, creating an active learning environment, ensuring course requirements and objectives are met, and assisting in the development of educational objectives as well as testing methods. 

This is a 25% per diem position, which may convert to career. 

Salary: $30.56 - $60.82 hourly

Qualifications

Required:

  • Current certification as an EMT or EMT-Intermediate, or current licensure as a Paramedic.
  • Baccalaureate degree in health related field, nursing, health care administration, health care education, emergency medical services or a related field (preferred).
  • Minimum of one year's work experience on an ambulance or in a hospital emergency department.
  • AHS BLS Provider & Instructor certification
  • Previous experience coordinating education course or time management and organizational skills.
  • Current provider certification in BLS from the American Heart Association.
  • Current instructor certification from the American Heart Association in BLS.
  • Completion of NAEMSE/NHTSA EMS educator course, Firefighter 1A/1B, or American Heart Association “Core” instructor course (preferred).
  • Detailed knowledge in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective objectives for the course.
  • Detailed knowledge and experience in the application and techniques of clinical equipment and supplies.
  • Working knowledge of the different scopes of practices for EMTs, paramedics, registered nurses, and physicians.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to translate complex concepts into understandable parts.
  • Available to meet scheduling requirements to include evenings, holidays, and/or weekends.
  • Ability to foster a stimulating classroom environment.
  • Skill in working independently and following through with minimal direction.
  • Skill in working as part of a team collaborating with colleagues.
  • Ability to provide service oriented customer assistance in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Interpersonal skills to excel in relations supervisor, staff, students, and the public.
  • Must be able to frequently sit, walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times in excess of 125 pounds. Hand-Eye and motor coordination is necessary. The work may involve light lifting (from 10 to 20 pounds maximum) to very heavy lifting (50 pounds occasionally, no maximum) and can involve climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing (including the ability to perceive differences in colors, shades, or harmonious combinations or to match colors is required).

What UCLA Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955