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$31K

$48.9K

$69K

How much do hotshot firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for hotshot firefighter in the United States is $48,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the typical work schedule and living environment like for Hotshot Firefighters during fire season?

Hotshot Firefighters usually work long, irregular hours during fire season, often for up to 16 days in a row with minimal time off between assignments. They frequently live and work in remote wilderness settings, camping near fire lines and carrying all necessary gear and supplies with them. The job requires adaptability to rugged environments, as teams are deployed wherever wildfire activity is most severe, sometimes with little notice. This lifestyle fosters strong camaraderie and teamwork, but can also be physically and mentally demanding, making it important for candidates to be prepared for challenging field conditions.

Do Hotshot firefighters make good money?

Hotshot firefighters typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and agency. They often receive additional pay for overtime, hazardous conditions, and seasonal work, with annual earnings generally ranging from $30,000 to over $70,000. Certifications in wildfire suppression and physical fitness are important for employment and advancement in this field.

Are Hotshot firefighters still a thing?

Hotshot firefighters are still a recognized and active type of wildland firefighting crew, specializing in rapid response to wildfires in remote areas. They typically undergo rigorous training, including wildfire suppression techniques and safety protocols, and are often employed during peak fire seasons to contain large fires quickly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Hotshot Firefighter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hotshot Firefighter, you need robust physical fitness, wildland fire suppression knowledge, and the ability to work effectively in remote, high-risk environments, often requiring completion of specialized wildland fire training and red card certification. Familiarity with tools such as chainsaws, portable pumps, GPS navigation, and fire shelters is essential, along with adherence to incident command systems. Teamwork, mental resilience, adaptability, and clear communication are critical soft skills for operating in high-stress, unpredictable conditions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, effective collaboration, and successful wildfire containment under challenging circumstances.

How hard is it to become a Hotshot Firefighter?

Becoming a Hotshot Firefighter requires physical fitness, firefighting experience, and often completing specialized training and certifications such as S-130 and S-190. Applicants typically need to pass physical agility tests, background checks, and sometimes seasonal or volunteer firefighting work before being hired for this demanding role.

What is a Hotshot Firefighter job?

A Hotshot Firefighter is a highly trained wildland firefighter who works in a specialized crew to combat wildfires in remote and rugged terrain. Hotshots are typically deployed to the most challenging and high-risk areas of a fire, using hand tools, chainsaws, and controlled burns to contain and control fire spread. They often work long hours in extreme conditions, hiking long distances and carrying heavy gear. Hotshot crews are known for their teamwork, endurance, and ability to respond quickly to wildland fire emergencies across the country.

How to apply to be a Hotshot Firefighter?

To apply as a Hotshot Firefighter, candidates typically need to meet minimum age and physical fitness requirements, complete relevant training such as wildfire suppression courses, and obtain certifications like S-130 and S-190. Applications are often submitted through federal or state firefighting agencies, and prior experience in wildland firefighting can be advantageous.
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What cities are hiring for Hotshot Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Hotshot Firefighter job openings:
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Hotshot Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hotshot Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,932 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Edinburg, VA • On-site

$25.37/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization.
The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew.

Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation.
GW-05: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GW-04 grade level in federal service or equivalent; OR successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study; OR a combination of education and experience.
Examples of specialized experience include: Patrolling areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material. Serving on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires. Operating specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
Selective Placement Factors
  • Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND-
  • Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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