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Highest Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

City of Wausau

Firefighter/Paramedic

Wausau, WI

$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 ...

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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 Aug 22, 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-Paramedic (Entry Level)

GovernmentJobs.com

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$109K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Firefighter-Paramedic

The City of San Rafael invites applicants for Firefighter-Paramedic. Annual salary for entry-level candidates is $109,223 - $130,211 (*eligible for up to 7.5% incentive pay after probationary year plus $200 per month Bi-Lingual Pay). All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications noted below will be invited to an Oral Board interview.

About the Department: The San Rafael Fire Department is an all-risk fire agency that includes 69 operational firefighters trained in the areas of firefighting, Advanced Life Support (ALS) response, ambulance transport, technical rescue, hazardous material response, disaster response, fire prevention, and community preparedness. We constantly strive to provide the highest level and most capable emergency service delivery possible to our community; a service that is professional, compassionate, predictable, consistent, and sustainable.

We are looking for individuals whose values align with our departmental commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, equality, and fairness. To schedule a station visit, phone or video call with active-duty personnel, e-mail Fire.Department@cityofsanrafael.org and provide your name and a contact phone number. Come join our extraordinary team!

Ideal Candidate: The Firefighter-Paramedic protects life, property, and the environment by performing firefighting activities, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention duties. The position is also responsible for maintaining fire equipment, apparatus, and facilities. The Department seeks individuals whose values align with our departmental commitment to respect, integrity, compassion, equality, and fairness. Our six San Rafael neighborhood fire stations deliver exceptionally courteous, compassionate, and professional public service. Our firefighters are committed to helping their community and their fellow firefighters. Our workforce is diverse and continuously strives to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our department supports a behavioral health program consisting of IAFF trained Peer Support members, as well as members trained in critical incident stress management. The culture established by our personnel is cited as a key contributor to what makes the San Rafael Fire Department a great place to work. With over half of our line personnel having been hired within the past decade, there is a major focus on physical fitness, training, health and wellness, and an overall excitement about learning the art and trades of firefighting and emergency medicine.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have a high school diploma AND a minimum of 21 semester units of college coursework.
  • The following documents should be attached to your application as ONE PDF file. If you are still in the process of obtaining a Firefighter I or Paramedic License you will be asked to provide a status update prior to full background:
  • CPAT card dated on or after November 1, 2022. To register for an upcoming exam, visit https://www.fctconline.org/.
  • Completion of CA State Board of Fire Services Firefighter I curriculum or ability to obtain prior to appointment (expected initial appointments by February 16, 2024)
  • Valid California Paramedic License (or equivalent) or ability to obtain prior to appointment (expected initial appointments by February 16, 2024).

Benefits: The City of San Rafael offers an attractive compensation and benefits program, including participation in the Marin County Employees' Retirement (MCERA) pension program, tiered contributions towards CalPERS health insurance, matching Retiree Health Savings (RHS) contributions, fully paid Dental coverage and Uniform Allowance. Please review the attached job bulletin for benefit information. You can also review our benefits summary and the San Rafael Firefighters' Association MOU for more information.

Save the Dates:

  • Candidate Orientation (Virtual) – Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
  • Candidate Orientation (In Person) – Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Located at the Public Safety Center, 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael.
  • First Round Interviews: 1st week in January 2024.
  • Chief's Interviews: January 8-10, 2024.
  • Tentative Start Date: February 16, 2024.

Apply