At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter
Grand Canyon, AZ · On-site
$97K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter
Grand Canyon, AZ · On-site
$97K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Lewistown, MT · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Lewistown, MT · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)
Belcourt, ND · On-site
$62K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)
Belcourt, ND · On-site
$62K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)
Belcourt, ND · On-site
$62K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)
Belcourt, ND · On-site
$62K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Lewistown, MT · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Lewistown, MT · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Anchorage, AK · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Anchorage, AK · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Grand Coulee, WA · On-site
$83K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Grand Coulee, WA · On-site
$83K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Grand Coulee, WA · On-site
$83K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Grand Coulee, WA · On-site
$83K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority
Fairbanks, AK · On-site
$82K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority
Fairbanks, AK · On-site
$82K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority
Fairbanks, AK · On-site
$82K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Training) -Direct Hire Authority
Fairbanks, AK · On-site
$82K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Anchorage, AK · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Anchorage, AK · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Fairbanks, AK · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Senior Advisor)
Fairbanks, AK · On-site
$112K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention) - Direct Hire Authority
Yosemite National Park, CA · On-site
$73K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Prevention) - Direct Hire Authority
Yosemite National Park, CA · On-site
$73K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Training)
Boise, ID · On-site
$72K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Training)
Boise, ID · On-site
$72K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Grand Coulee, WA · On-site +1
$83K - $108K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Management)
Grand Coulee, WA · On-site +1
$83K - $108K/yr
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper ...
Hotshot Firefighter information
See salary details
$31K - $34.5K
20% of jobs
$36.6K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$34.5K - $37.9K
8% of jobs
$37.9K - $41.4K
11% of jobs
$41.4K - $44.8K
6% of jobs
$44.8K - $48.3K
0% of jobs
The median wage is $49.7K / yr.
$48.3K - $51.7K
10% of jobs
$55.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$51.7K - $55.2K
19% of jobs
$55.2K - $58.6K
6% of jobs
$58.6K - $62.1K
2% of jobs
$62.1K - $65.5K
14% of jobs
$65.5K - $69K
3% of jobs
$31K
$48.9K
$69K
How much do hotshot firefighter jobs pay per year?
What is a hotshot firefighter?
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.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hotshot firefighter?
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.
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 get paid?
How hard is it to become a hotshot firefighter?
Is being a hotshot firefighter worth it?
What cities are hiring for Hotshot Firefighter jobs?
Cities with the most Hotshot Firefighter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hotshot Firefighter jobs?
The most popular types of Hotshot Firefighter jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Hotshot Firefighter jobs?
The top employers for Hotshot Firefighter jobs are:
What states have the most Hotshot Firefighter jobs?
States with the most job openings for Hotshot Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hotshot Firefighter jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Hotshot Firefighter jobs are:

$97K/yr
Full-time
Posted 5 days ago
U.S. Department Of The Interior rating
7.8
Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
417th of 849 rated public administrative organizations
Job description
This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority
This Supervisory Wildland Firefighter position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-12 working in the following location:
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.
Selective Placement Factor(s): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified.
This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Unit Fire Program Manager - HIGH Complexity, and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM). To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):
Pathways #1:
DIVS (Division Supervisor), and
ICT3 (Incident Command Type 3), or RXB2 (Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2),
and M-581 (Fire Program Management)
Pathways #2:
ASGS (Air Support Group Supervisor), and
ICT3 (Incident Command Type 3), and
M-581 (Fire Program Management)
In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required.
Only experience and education obtained by 08/31/2026 will be considered.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
Minimum Qualification GW-12
You must possess one (1) one full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GW-11 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Serving as a Fire Management Officer or Zone Fire Management Officer in a fire management organization, providing short and long-range fire management planning, program direction and coordination and evaluation of the fire program; developing and implementing an integrated fire management program to achieve natural resource management objectives. Provides leadership, coordination, and direction, for the administration of the fire suppression, detection and prevention programs; dispatching and other communication services; fuels/vegetation management; aviation management; mitigation and education; and the integration of fire and aviation management plans and activities with other natural resources.
Applicants must have documented prior primary firefighting experience, with substantial service defined as either:
At least one full fire season working in a primary wildland firefighting role (e.g., Engine Crew, Fire Effects Crew, Prescribed Fire/Fuels Crew, Hand Crew, Helitack Crew, Hotshot Crew, Smokejumper, Wildland Fire Modules or Fire Suppression Crews, etc.) with a federal, state, tribal, local, or private-sector organization; - OR -
At least 14-days of on-the-ground fireline experience (cumulative or consecutive).
Prior primary wildland fire experience must be clearly documented in your resume. Note: an IQCS Master Record or equivalent document will not be used to determine or calculate prior primary wildland fire experience eligibility for this requirement.
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.
*Applicants must meet all minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.
Secondary Firefighter Retirement Coverage - Applicants for this secondary administrative fire fighter position under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d), must possess knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of wildland firefighting as demonstrated by direct wildland firefighting experience. In order to receive credit, you must provide a written description of your experience in wildland firefighting. Education without hands-on wildland firefighting experience does not meet this requirement. Periods of wildland firefighting experience, gained through militia and rural fire departments, can also be credited. Wildland fire is defined as any non-structure fire that occurs in the wildland. Two distinct types of wildland fire have been defined and include wildfire and prescribed fires as follows: Wildfire: Unplanned ignitions or prescribed fires that are declared wildfires. Prescribed Fires: Planned ignitions. This description includes only fire line experience on a Prescribed Fire; it does not include experience in the planning stages. Prescribed fire experience must be supplemented by fire suppression experience in order to be creditable as previous wildland firefighting experience.
Physical Demands: Normally the work is sedentary but often requires physical exertion while overseeing fire suppression activities including walking over rough, steep, uneven terrain in all types of weather.
The incumbent is faced with emergency situations at all hours and must respond quickly. The
position may require long shifts or multi-day assignments under primitive living conditions
during emergencies. During the fire season, extended fire assignments away from the unit may
be required under very stressful conditions.
Working Conditions: Although work is generally performed in an office setting. Field work involves exposure to temperature extremes, both from weather and fire conditions where falling trees and the presence of smoke and/or dust create hazardous conditions. The nature of fire suppression work requires
that protective clothing (boots, hard hats, etc.) be worn during fire assignments. The incumbent
must exercise a variety of safety practices and precautions for the well-being of self and of
others.
What U.S. Department Of The Interior employees say
Pay
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About U.S. Department of the Interior
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US
Year founded
1849