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Firefighting Instructor Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

NFPA Certified Firefighter I Assist with Hazmat Operations Level training or higher. Basic Vehicle Rescue Training Knowledge of Emergency Services Instructor methodology. At least 100 hours of ...

Experience as an emergency responder (EMT/ Firefighting/ Rescue) * Experience with emergency ... Currently certified EMT and Fire 1. * Instructor in CPR/AED/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen through ...

Firefighting Instructor information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$33.6K

$59.7K

$119.3K

How much do firefighting instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting instructor in Pennsylvania is $59,703.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $65,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a firefighting instructor?

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Firefighting Instructor jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Firefighting Instructor jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Firefighting Instructor job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,703 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Fire and Hazmat Instructors

Butler County Community College

Butler, PA • On-site

Temporary

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Butler County Community College (BC3) is currently accepting applications for the position of Fire and Hazmat Instructors. Seeking candidates that are accredited PA State Fire Instructors able to instruct Firefighting, Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials Training Programs. Individuals will be added to our roster of instructors to design, develop, and lead open enrollment and contracted training programs on an as-needed basis. Content areas may include:
  • Entry Level Firefighter Training
  • Structural Firefighting
  • Technical Rescue
  • Fire Police
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations
  • Hazardous Materials

Review of applications will begin immediately. Interested candidates should visit BC3 Recruitment to complete their Candidate Profile along with uploading a PDF version of current resume, cover letter, and copy of college/university transcripts that have been conferred to the Resume section. Incomplete candidate profiles and/or any materials regarding this position that are received after the application deadline or closing of the search will not be considered. Any materials submitted will be the property of the College. Applicants currently employed by Butler County Community College must authorize in writing that all college/university transcript(s) on file in their personnel file located in the Human Resources Office may be copied and attached to their application packet by the application deadline. Requests to copy transcripts received after the deadline will be denied. If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 724-287-8711 Ext. 8951 for more information.

BC3 is nestled in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania and only 45 minutes from the cultural life of Pittsburgh. BC3 is a vibrant comprehensive community college serving eight (8) counties with six (6) locations and nearly 2,500 credit students. Built on the former Oak Hills Golf Course and a farm, BC3 has a beautiful main campus on 329 wooded acres with a central Oak Grove. BC3 employs approximately 1,000 full- and part-time employees.

BC3 has 55 career and transfer programs. The College is going “all in” for its Shaffer School of Nursing and Allied Health. This includes the construction of a state-of-the-art Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health Building, program expansion, and the development of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program. Private and public support has made this possible. BC3 offers unique programs such as Measurement Science/Metrology, Massage Therapy, Robotics, Electronics, Nanofabrication Technology, and Park and Recreation Management. BC3 offers over 100 courses in online and distance education. In addition to degree programs, BC3 has a public safety training facility at its main campus that serves 15,000 students annually for business training, industrial safety training, and public safety – fire, EMS, Hazmat, and police training.

The impact of BC3 as an economic engine bolsters the regional economy and continues to contribute substantially to the regional workforce. With a focus on student success, faculty, and staff describe BC3 as a special place with a caring and collegial atmosphere that is unusual in today’s higher education landscape. For the eighth time since 2015, BC3 was named the #1 community college in Pennsylvania by Schools.com, BestColleges.com, and Niche.com. To learn more about BC3, please visit www.bc3.edu.

Butler County Community College is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.