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$31K

$48.9K

$69K

How much do hotshot firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 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.

How much do Hotshot firefighters make in the US?

Hotshot firefighters in the US typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Pay can vary based on experience, location, and the agency, and these firefighters often work long shifts in challenging environments requiring specialized training and certifications.

Are there still Hotshot firefighters?

Yes, Hotshot firefighters are still active as specialized wildland firefighting crews trained to combat large wildfires. They typically work in remote environments, often requiring physical fitness, firefighting certifications, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging conditions.

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 joining a crew. The process is competitive and demands dedication to rigorous training and safety protocols.

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 CPR and First Aid. Applications are often submitted through federal or state firefighting agencies, and prior experience with wildland firefighting or related fields 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,932 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Branch Chief) - Direct Hire Authority

IBC Opportunities | U.S. Department of the Interior

Boise, ID

$129K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

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

These positions are Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Aviation) (Branch Chief), GW-0456-14, GW-0456-14 assigned to the Headquarters (HQ) Aviation: Flight Operations organization for the US Wildland Fire Service (USWFS).

Qualifications:

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.
Prior firefighting experience: This is an administrative position in an organization having a firefighting mission and is clearly in an established career path. Prior firefighting experience, as gained by substantial service in a primary firefighter position or equivalent experience outside the Federal government is a MANDATORY PREREQUISITE. 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.
(Firefighter Special Retirement Secondary Coverage): This is a secondary/administrative fire position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 5 U.S.C. 8412(d) (FERS). While secondary positions are not subject to the maximum entry age policy, the selectee must have prior service in a primary position and meet the transfer requirement for movement from a primary to secondary position to be eligible for special retirement coverage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your SF-50). YOU MUST LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN A PRIMARY POSITION.
Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic entry requirement, applicants must have specialized experience to be found qualified. In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the specialized experience requirement - please be sure to include this information in your resume. To be creditable, this experience must have been equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade.
To qualify for the GS-14 grade level, 1 year of creditable specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 is required. Examples of work include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Manages a regional/national program that supports wildland fire and aviation operations, including development of policies, guidance documents, and SOPs.
  • Provides leadership and technical authority for aviation operations used in wildland fire management and related operations.
  • Supervises an aviation team (base work GW-12/13), setting performance standards, conducting administrative functions, and overseeing a branch-level budget and procurement.
  • Establishes interagency partnership and collaborates on national level groups to develop interagency standards.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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