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Firefighting Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Firefighting Instructor information

See salary details

$33.5K

$59.6K

$119K

How much do firefighting instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting instructor in the United States is $59,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $65,000.00 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.
More about Firefighting Instructor jobs
What states have the most Firefighting Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Firefighting Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Firefighting Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,560 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Supervisory Firefighter with Security Clearance

Supervisory Firefighter with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Fort Novosel, AL

Other

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * Plans, directs and coordinates the operation of fire prevention and protection activities. Revises daily work schedules to insure adequate fire crews are available and on duty each day. * Maintains the fire department personnel TDA, equipment TDA, and TRADOC required vehicle reports.

* Responds to installation fires, major aircraft incidents, and HAZMAT emergencies during assigned shift. * Performs personnel management functions. * Investigates employee complaints and initiates corrective action; refers unusual cases to the Fire Chief.

* Establishes performance standards and assigns performance appraisals. Requirements Conditions of employment * Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. * Travel to duty up to 5% of the time.

* Random drug tested is required. * Incumbent must successfully complete physical examination. * Incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.

* One year supervisory probationary is required. * Must obtain and maintain secret background investigation. * Must obtain and maintain DoD IFSAC or Pro-Board issued certifications: HAZMAT Incident Commander, Firefighter Instructor II, Firefighter Inspector II, Firefighter Officer III, and Airport Firefighter.

* Incumbent must wear a uniform and safety apparel. * Incumbent is require to work rotating shifts and a 72 hour workweek (144 biweekly) and subject to recall. * Incumbent requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.

Qualifications Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is . Specialized Experienced: One year of specialized experience which includes; (1) Management level experience within Fire Protection and Prevention leading, directing and assigning work to Firefighter personnel within a large organization; (2) Extensive experience in directing and managing Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting; (3) Extensive experience in program management; (4) Establishing performance standards.

This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10). In addition to specialized experience, the position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: - Fire Officer III, - Fire Instructor II, - Fire Inspector II, - HAZMAT Incident Commander, - Airport Firefighter. This position has been identified by Department of Army and approved by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness as a secondary position for special retirement coverage as identified in 5 CFR 831 Subpart I for CSRS Retirement coverage and 5 CFR 842 Subpart H for FERS retirement coverage.

Coverage under Special Retirement Coverage is NOT automatic. However, an employee may bring their existing special retirement coverage with them if they meet the transfer requirement below. CSRS - Per CSRS and FERS Handbook, Subchapter 46A, Section 46A3.2-1C - The employee, while covered under the special provision, moves directly (that is, without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position; and if applicable, the employee has been continuously employed in a secondary position or positions since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days.

NOTES: 1. Service as a temporary or intermittent employee may be counted toward the 3-year requirement if it is otherwise qualifying. (While under an intermittent tour of duty, only actual days worked are counted.) For purposes of applying the 3-year requirement, it does not matter whether the service is actually made creditable by payment of a deposit or whether the service cannot be made creditable.

Thus, even post-1998 nondeduction service (which can never be creditable under FERS for the purpose of qualifying for or computing a benefit can be used to meet the 3-year requirement. Also, Federal service under another retirement system for Government employees may be used to meet the 3-year requirement if it is otherwise qualifying. 2.

A break in employment in secondary positions that begins with an involuntary separation (not for cause) within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 8414(b)(21)(A) is continuous for this purpose. In addition to providing the required eligibility documentation listed elsewhere in this job announcement, if you believe you are eligible for Special Retirement Coverage under a secondary position, you must provide sufficient documentation (SF-50s) as indicated above for verification.

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-10). Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone -- no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information * Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. * You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.

* This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.

* Direct Deposit of Pay is required. * Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. * If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet.

* This is a(n) Safety Career Field position. * Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. * Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.

* Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. * Relocation, Recruitment, & Retention Incentive is not authorized.


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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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