Forest Fire Cook information
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$10.10 - $11.30
4% of jobs
$11.30 - $12.50
9% of jobs
$13.70 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$12.50 - $13.70
10% of jobs
$13.70 - $14.90
14% of jobs
The median wage is $15.71 / hr.
$14.90 - $16.11
16% of jobs
$16.11 - $17.31
15% of jobs
$17.74 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.31 - $18.51
12% of jobs
$18.51 - $19.71
9% of jobs
$19.71 - $20.91
5% of jobs
$20.91 - $22.12
3% of jobs
How much do forest fire cook jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest fire cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Forest Fire Cooks, also known as camp cooks or wildfire incident cooks, are specialized culinary professionals who prepare and serve meals for firefighters and support crews working to contain and manage forest fires. They often work in temporary kitchens set up at fire camps, sometimes in remote locations, and must be able to cook large quantities of food under challenging conditions. Their role is crucial for maintaining the health, morale, and energy levels of personnel on the front lines of wildfire response. Forest Fire Cooks typically work long hours and must adhere to strict safety and sanitation standards.
To thrive as a Forest Fire Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience in high-volume meal preparation, and knowledge of food safety standards, often supported by certifications like ServSafe. Familiarity with portable cooking equipment, camp kitchen setups, and inventory management systems is crucial. Flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills for adapting to unpredictable field conditions. These abilities ensure the efficient, safe, and nutritious feeding of firefighting crews in challenging and remote environments.
Forest Fire Cooks often work in remote, high-pressure environments where they must prepare large quantities of nutritious meals for firefighting crews on tight schedules. The job requires adaptability, as cooks may need to work with limited resources, unpredictable supply deliveries, and ever-changing weather conditions. Effective teamwork and communication are crucial, as cooks coordinate closely with logistics teams and crew leaders to ensure timely meal service and support the health and morale of firefighters in demanding situations.
What are popular job titles related to Forest Fire Cook jobs?
For Forest Fire Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
