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Highest Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Camp Dearborn

FIREFIGHTER I

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$71K/yr

... the highest standards of internal and external customer service. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ... Performs firefighter work in a variety of weather and environmental conditions, including rain ...

Austin Fire

Lateral Firefighter

San Antonio, TX

Why Lateral Firefighters Choose Austin Fire * Austin is a city you want to work in * Competitive ... Premier Pension Plan-One of the best in Texas: 3% multiplier based on the average of your highest ...

City of Portage

Firefighter

Portage, MI · On-site

$58K/yr

... provide the highest quality of service, and the opportunity for special teams! What You'll Do ... Be State of Michigan certified in Firefighter I & II with HazMat Operations. * Possess a State of ...

City of Portage

Firefighter

Portage, MI · On-site

$58K/yr

... provide the highest quality of service, and the opportunity for special teams! What You'll Do ... Be State of Michigan certified in Firefighter I & II with HazMat Operations. * Possess a State of ...

City of Wausau

Firefighter/Paramedic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$5.3K - $6.7K/mo

City of Wausau Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergencies and perform fire suppression ... EMS is the highest demand on our service and requires all operations personnel working as a team to ...

City of Joplin, MO

Firefighter/EMT Trainee

Joplin, MO · On-site

We have a bright future with continuing education, promotional opportunities, and the highest level of LAGERS pension, the State's retirement system and more. Become a Joplin strong firefighter today.

City of Wausau, WI

Firefighter/Paramedic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$5.3K - $6.7K/mo

City of Wausau Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergencies and perform fire suppression ... EMS is the highest demand on our service and requires all operations personnel working as a team to ...

City of Wausau, WI

Firefighter/Paramedic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$5.3K - $6.7K/mo

City of Wausau Firefighter/Paramedics respond to emergencies and perform fire suppression ... EMS is the highest demand on our service and requires all operations personnel working as a team to ...

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Highest Firefighter information

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$59.6K

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How much do highest firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for highest firefighter in the United States is $59,606.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest rank a firefighter can achieve?

The highest rank a firefighter can achieve is typically Fire Chief. The Fire Chief is responsible for overseeing the entire fire department, managing personnel, developing policies, and ensuring public safety. This position requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced education or specialized training. The Fire Chief works closely with city officials and other emergency services to coordinate efforts and allocate resources effectively.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by the highest-ranking firefighter in a department?

As the highest-ranking firefighter—often the Fire Chief—you will face challenges such as balancing administrative duties with emergency response oversight, managing departmental budgets, and fostering team cohesion across diverse shifts. You'll also be responsible for strategic planning, implementing new safety protocols, and serving as a liaison with local government and other emergency agencies. Effective communication and decision-making skills are crucial, as your leadership directly impacts both firefighter safety and public trust.

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

To thrive as a Fire Chief, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and typically certifications such as Fire Officer or Chief Fire Officer, often supported by a degree in fire science or public administration. Familiarity with incident command systems, emergency management software, and departmental budgeting tools is crucial. Strong decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills help in leading teams and coordinating with various agencies. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective emergency response, personnel safety, and efficient department operations.

What is the difference between Highest Firefighter vs Fire Captain?

AspectHighest FirefighterFire Captain
CertificationsFirefighter I & II, EMT/ParamedicFirefighter certifications + leadership training
Work EnvironmentFire scenes, emergency response, rescue operationsSupervising fire crews, incident command
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency management

The Highest Firefighter typically refers to experienced firefighters with advanced certifications, primarily involved in emergency response. A Fire Captain, on the other hand, holds leadership responsibilities, overseeing fire crews and managing incidents. While both roles require similar certifications and work in fire service environments, the Fire Captain's role emphasizes supervision and command. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and job expectations within fire services.

What is the highest type of firefighter?

The highest rank in firefighting is typically Fire Chief, who oversees fire department operations, manages personnel, and develops policies. Advancement to this level usually requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and often additional certifications or education. Firefighters progress through ranks such as firefighter, captain, battalion chief, and then fire chief based on experience and performance.
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Highest Firefighter jobs near you

FIREFIGHTER I

Dearborn, MI • On-site

Camp Dearborn
See more jobs at Camp Dearbornexternal

$71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

STARTING SALARY (as of 7/1/25): $71,966 per year
SALARY AFTER 48 MONTHS: $92,511 per year
Lateral transfer pay (effective July 1, 2024):
  • New hire candidates with greater than 2 years of full-time fire department experience will start at Step 2 ($75,787)
  • New hire candidates with greater than 3 years of full-time fire department experience will start at Step 3 ($79,596)
  • New hire candidates with greater than 4 years of full-time fire department experience will start at Step 4 ($83,408)

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must be a licensed Paramedic in the State of Michigan or scheduled to take the exam.
  • State of Michigan Firefighter I and II certifications required.
  • Valid Michigan driver license, with a good driving record.
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • CPAT or OPAT must be completed.
All entry-level criteria must be met, and copies of certifications and transcripts must be attached to online application. (Please attach using cover letter field.) Current City of Dearborn fire interns are eligible to apply if they are within one year of completion of all minimum qualifications noted above. However, all qualifications must be completed prior to being placed on the eligible list.
POST-OFFER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must pass a psychological evaluation, pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal history check and background investigation.
SPECIAL NOTE:
  • All persons appointed to the position of Firefighter I must serve a 12-month probationary period. This working test period is considered a part of the examination process.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:
This is firefighting and emergency rescue work. Responsibilities include the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and by providing emergency assistance as a state certified Paramedic. Firefighting duties may be performed under emergency conditions involving personal hazard. Specific orders and directions are given by superior officers but the work requires a thorough understanding of firefighting methods which is gained by training and experience. Work is performed in accordance with well established procedures and under general supervision.
Employee interacts in a consistently pleasant and helpful manner to fellow employees, visitors, and citizens of the City of Dearborn and demonstrates the highest standards of internal and external customer service.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Job Functions (Functions essential to attaining job objectives):
  • Performs and administers first aid and emergency treatment in the performance of firefighter related duties.
  • Performs manual lifting and carrying using backboards, K.E.D. and "stokes litter" in the evacuation of victims.
  • Operates and connects hose lines to standpipes, sprinkler systems, hydrants, and auxiliary appliances in the performance of the work.
  • Carries, raises, climbs and lowers straight, roof, attic, footing and extension ladders in the performance of related duties.
  • Performs forcible entry and extrication through the use of digging, striking, battering, prying and cutting tools.
  • Prepares and maintains various types of hose, nozzles, valves and fittings; rolls, folds, carries, reels, unreels and stows such fire apparatus.
  • Operates, maintains and inspects self-contained breathing apparatus, ice/water rescue equipment and hazardous material detection devices.
  • Determines horizontal and vertical range, safe working pressures as related to nozzle size, angle of penetration, and the maximum height a nozzle can be set for safe operation.
  • Determines the effect of water on fires involving chemicals, steel, concrete, brick and heavy timber related to fire suppression.
  • Performs firefighter work in a variety of weather and environmental conditions, including rain, snow, ice, extreme cold and heat, dust, dirt, smoke and chemicals.
  • Identifies the fundamentals of pressure, vacuum, flow, head, suction, displacement, friction loss, back pressure, hydrant pressure, engine pressure, capacity, and nozzle pressure.
  • Attends in service training sessions in firefighting methods, equipment operation, first aid and emergency treatment, street locations, hydrant locations and other related matters.
  • Operates power take-off, aerial ladders and elevated platforms in the performance of the work.
  • Identifies mechanical defects, loose parts, unusual noises and the effects of abrasive material on related equipment.
  • Operates and maintains pressure and pump type extinguishers in the performance of the work.
  • Identifies the fundamentals of Type I, II, III, IV and V construction; purposes of smoke towers, monitors, fire escapes, roof ventilators, skylights, dumb waiters and elevators; their advantages and disadvantages to fire control.
  • Studies modern methods of fire prevention and protection reviewing media such as magazines, books, news- letters and records of fires and their causes.
  • Monitors and determines flow when friction loss is known.
  • Identifies the fundamentals of fuses, circuit breakers, lighting arresters, grounding devices, and related electrical components.
  • Transmits and receives still, special, greater and telephone alarms.
  • Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
Marginal Job Functions (Peripheral or incidental to primary job functions):
  • Performs housekeeping and grounds maintenance duties at a fire station such as making beds, cooking, cleaning windows, floors, walls and woodwork, and mowing lawns.
  • Prepares manuscripts, reports, specifications, requisitions, and department forms, per department rules and regulations.
  • Participates in special details and/or assemblies in the promotion of positive public relations.
  • Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Considerable knowledge of first aid and emergency treatment methods.
  • Some knowledge of modern firefighting methods.
  • Ability to read and comprehend job related materials such as manuals, codes, directives, general orders, textbooks and professional literature.
  • Ability to understand and apply mechanical principles to the operation of all equipment and firefighting methods and procedures.
  • Ability to recognize and diagnose mechanical problems and to take effective corrective action to remedy such problems.
  • Ability to communicate with others in a clear, concise, calm manner, supplying correct information in a manner in which the receiver understands it.
  • Ability to work effectively with others as a member of a team; to accept supervision in a positive manner; to display tact and concern for the feelings of others: and to be fair in dealing with all coworkers as well as the public.
  • Ability to evaluate a situation and decide what action should be taken in given circumstances. Included is the ability to identify the source of a problem, evaluate its seriousness, solve problems quickly in emotionally charged situations and decide which action or method is best to use, given available options.
  • Ability to perform tasks which require strength, stamina, speed, coordination, balance, dexterity and, in general, a high level of physical fitness.
  • Ability to apply basic mathematical skills, to understand formulas, equations, mathematical principles, and other quantitative or numerical subject matter.
  • Ability to interpret and apply technical subject matter such as: tables, graphs, data, monographs, technical specifications and charts.
  • Ability to perform light to heavy lifting, carrying, loading and unloading of victims and equipment averaging 150 pounds.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING / LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Michigan and have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Must have completed Paramedic training and possess a valid State of Michigan Paramedic license as required to perform this work.
  • Applicants must have completed and passed the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) through Schoolcraft College or Oakland Physical Agility Test (OPAT).
  • State of Michigan Firefighter I and II certification required.
  • All required certifications and licenses must be attached to the application at the time of submission.

POST-OFFER REQUIREMENTS:
Satisfactory completion of a criminal history check (including sex offender registry, if applicable) and a drug screen that tests for illegal drugs as defined by the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, excluding substances legalized under Michigan law.

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