1

Independent Contractor Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$75K - $95K/yr

MondayFriday, occasional weekends as needed Employment Type: Full-Time | Independent Contractor ... If you're an EMT, firefighter, or public safety professional , you already know what it means to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Independent Contractor Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do independent contractor firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor 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 an independent contractor firefighter?

Independent contractor firefighters are professionals who provide firefighting services on a contract basis rather than as employees of a fire department or municipality. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or organizations that require fire safety and emergency response services, such as construction sites, industrial facilities, or remote locations. Unlike traditional firefighters, independent contractors are responsible for managing their own business operations, including insurance, taxes, and equipment. This role offers flexibility but may also lack the benefits and job security provided by full-time employment with a fire department.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an independent contractor firefighter?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Firefighter, you need thorough knowledge of fire suppression, emergency medical response, and safety protocols, typically validated by firefighter certification and EMT qualifications. Familiarity with firefighting tools, communication systems, and safety equipment is essential, along with up-to-date training in hazardous materials and rescue operations. Strong decision-making, physical fitness, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing high-pressure situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring personal safety, effective emergency response, and the protection of lives and property in unpredictable environments.

What challenges do independent contractor firefighters face compared to those in traditional fire departments?

Independent contractor firefighters often face unique challenges, such as securing consistent contracts and adapting to varying protocols across different organizations or jurisdictions. Unlike traditional fire department employees, independent contractors are responsible for their own equipment, certifications, and insurance, which adds extra administrative and financial responsibilities. Additionally, they may need to quickly integrate into new teams and adapt to diverse work environments with each assignment, requiring strong communication and adaptability skills.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectIndependent Contractor FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsMay require firefighter certifications, EMT licenses, and specialized trainingTypically requires basic firefighter training and certifications, often less extensive
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often hired by private companies or agencies, may work in various locationsCommunity-based, usually local fire departments, often on a part-time basis
Employer & Industry UsageHired by private fire service providers or industries needing specialized firefighting servicesServes local communities as part of municipal fire departments

Independent Contractor Firefighters are hired on a contractual basis, often with specialized skills and certifications, working in diverse environments. Volunteer Firefighters serve their communities on a voluntary basis, typically with less formal training. Both roles are vital but differ mainly in employment structure and training requirements.

What cities are hiring for Independent Contractor Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Independent Contractor Firefighter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs are:

What states have the most Independent Contractor Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Contractor Firefighter jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Firefighter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Firefighter jobs are:

Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter/EMT - Lateral

West Fargo, ND โ€ข On-site

City of West Fargo
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$59K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description PLEASE READ THE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POSTING FOR LATERAL APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS. IF YOU DO NOT MEET THEM, APPLY UNDER THE [FIREFIGHTER - RECRUIT] POSTING WHEN NEXT AVAILABLE. This is a non-exempt position.

Starting wage dependent on relevant firefighting experience. The Firefighter serves as a team member to carry out fire suppression and technical rescue, medical emergency response, fire prevention and hazardous material emergency response activities. The Firefighter also performs various maintenance activities on fire equipment and fire station facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Responds to emergency and non-emergency situations including fires, medical injuries and illness; hazardous materials spills; technical rescues such as river, trench, rope rescues, and auto, train and aircraft extrication; false alarms; flooding; and other situations, and carries out specific assigned duties such as connecting hoses, operating equipment, emergency vehicle driving and operation, positioning ladders, rescuing victims, and providing basic life support care as allowed as an EMT. Directs volunteers at emergency situations when necessary, until additional responders arrive on the scene, or as assigned. Conducts fire prevention inspections of public buildings and local businesses requiring application of national fire codes and City standards.

Works independently or as part of a team. Establishes relationship with building managers to effectively communicate fire codes and safety procedures. Identifies deficiencies, completes appropriate paperwork, references fire codes and notes explanations for property owners.

Initiates corrective action according to established procedures. Creates rough drawings for every structure investigated and submits these to office staff to input into computer system. Conducts follow-up inspections and forwards violations to Fire Prevention Bureau.

Cleans and maintains equipment in a state of readiness and performs maintenance to prolong the useful life of expensive equipment. Performs routine checks and maintenance of department equipment Performs general fire station building and grounds maintenance as required. Maintains personal protective gear and requests replacements when the functionality of equipment is compromised.

Participates in and/or conducts training exercises, demonstrations and instruction to prepare for emergency situations. Provides on-the-job training, mentoring, and some work direction to new firefighters. Performs public relations and education activities, including fire station tours.

Gives presentations, demonstrations and instruction on fire and safety procedures to schools, community groups and other interested parties. Takes fire trucks to schools, block parties, and other events as scheduled. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.

Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information. Works safely, follows safe work practices, and identifies and reports unsafe work conditions. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Approved state or national accredited (IFSAC or ProBoard) Firefighter I & II certification that conforms to NFPA 1001 (2008 or 2013 Standards). Current NREMT Certification as an Emergency Medical Tech (EMT) or ability to gain certification within 12 months of hire. Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, other City departments, vendors, contractors, external government agencies and organizations.

Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing. Valid driver's license. Supplemental Information To be considered as a Lateral applicant you must: Be a current, full-time paid career firefighter with a minimum of one year of career firefighting experience Have completed an approved state or national accredited (IFSAC or ProBoard) Firefighter I & II certification that conforms to NFPA 1001 (2008 or 2013 Standards).

Have current NREMT Certification as an Emergency Medical Tech (EMT) This is a non-exempt position. Starting wage dependent on relevant firefighting experience.