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Lateral Entry Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Fairborn

Firefighter/Paramedic

Fairborn, OH

$75K - $96K/yr

... Firefighter may at times be required to act in a supervisory capacity in the absence of a superior ... Lateral entry is encouraged. Supplemental Information Knowledge of physics and mechanics. Ability ...

City of Henderson, KY

Lateral Firefighter

Henderson, KY · On-site

$51K/yr

LATERAL FIREFIGHTER PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION The purpose of this classification is to perform ... entry at emergency scene; operates fire stream nozzles; turns fire hydrants on/off at fires ...

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How much do lateral entry firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lateral entry firefighter in the United States is $56,072.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lateral Entry Firefighter vs Firefighter?

AspectLateral Entry FirefighterFirefighter
Required CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT license, previous firefighting experienceFirefighter certification, EMT license (optional), entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentSame as Firefighter, including fire scenes, rescue operations, emergency medical servicesFire scenes, rescue operations, emergency medical services
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments hiring experienced firefighters to fill vacanciesEntry-level firefighters starting their careers in fire services

In summary, a Lateral Entry Firefighter is an experienced firefighter who joins a fire department with prior experience and certifications, whereas a Firefighter may be new to the profession. Both roles work in similar environments and require comparable credentials, but lateral entry positions typically require proven experience.

What is a lateral entry firefighter?

A lateral entry firefighter is an experienced firefighter who transfers from one fire department to another, usually without having to start at the entry-level position. This process allows departments to hire qualified personnel who already possess the necessary certifications, training, and often several years of firefighting experience. Lateral entry firefighters typically undergo a streamlined onboarding process and may be eligible for advanced placement, higher pay, or additional benefits based on their experience. The requirements and selection process for lateral entry positions vary by department.

How does prior firefighting experience influence training and integration for lateral entry firefighters?

Lateral entry firefighters typically join with previous firefighting experience, which allows them to bypass some introductory training. However, they still undergo department-specific orientation and may be required to complete certain local certifications or familiarize themselves with new equipment and protocols. Integration often involves shadowing experienced team members and participating in drills to ensure seamless teamwork. This approach helps lateral hires quickly adapt while maintaining safety and operational consistency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lateral Entry Firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lateral Entry Firefighter, you need proven firefighting experience, state or national firefighter certifications (such as Firefighter I/II), and often EMT or paramedic credentials. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, emergency medical tools, and incident reporting systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability are vital soft skills for effectively responding to dynamic emergencies. These skills ensure efficient emergency response, public safety, and seamless integration into established fire service teams.
More about Lateral Entry Firefighter jobs
What states have the most Lateral Entry Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Lateral Entry Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lateral Entry Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lateral Entry Firefighter jobs are:
Lateral Entry Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lateral Entry Firefighter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,072 per year, or $27 per hour.

Lateral Entry - Firefighter/EMT

Gwinnett County, GA

Lawrenceville, GA • On-site

$51K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $51,049.00 - $81,733.00 Annually
Location : Gwinnett County, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Merit
Job Number: 26-03833
Department: Fire and Emergency Services
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Class Summary
**LATERAL ENTRY LEVEL POSITION**
**Only Current Certified Firefighter/EMT Candidates**
Employees must successfully complete state EMS licensure, state firefighter certification, and other requirements to successfully operate on a department emergency response vehicle during first two years of employment.
Applicants must pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal, controlled substance, driving, employment history checks, an oral interview, medical exam including drug screen, psychological and physical agility testing.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma, or G.E.D. certificate, and
  • Valid Driver's License from state of residency equivalent to GA Class C or higher, and
  • Must be at least 18 years of age, and
  • Must be currently a Certified Firefighter/EMT.

Preferred Qualifications in addition to the above minimum qualifications
  • Current National Registry (NR) or State of Georgia EMT certification OR higher
  • State of GA NPQ Firefighter I and/or Firefighter II
  • NPQ Hazmat Awareness
  • NPQ Hazmat Operations
Other Job Requirements/Information
This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing.
This job requires a public safety background check to include motor vehicle histories, criminal histories, and finger printing.
This job may require on-call rotation and emergency after-hours, weekends, and/or holidays.
Lateral Entry Firefighter/EMT:
  • $51,049 - $81,733(Starting Salary without a degree)
  • $52,580 - $84,185 (Starting Salary including 3% incentive for an associate degree)
  • $54,112 - $86,637 (Starting Salary including 6% incentive for a bachelor's degree)

Salary will be based on qualifications and experience.
The grade for this position is FF213.
For more information:
This position is eligible for the Employee Referral Program.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE E-MAILS THROUGHOUT THE APPLICATION AND BACKGROUND PROCESS FOR THIS POSITION. MAKE SURE YOU CAN RECEIVE E-MAILS FROM:
FireRecruiting@gwinnettcounty.comBE SURE TO CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK MAILBOX.
Note:The class specifications listed on this website are not the official class specifications for Gwinnett County and are subject to change.
Benefits Offered
**Georgia Firefighter Pension Fund Offered - Funded by Department**
Additional Information
About Gwinnett County
Welcome to Gwinnett County Government
Gwinnett County Government is an award-winning employer that believes in investing in its employees by providing corporate level benefits, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, career advancement, and more
Careers with impact
Gwinnett County sets the standard as a dynamic, vibrant community where all people can enjoy economic opportunities, safe neighborhoods, plentiful greenspace, and recreational facilities. We are committed to hiring those who share our dedication to making life better for our residents and business owners. The culture of superior service that our employees have created reflects that standard and helps staff, residents, and stakeholders remain vibrantly connected.
Exceptional benefits
Working for Gwinnett County comes with exceptional benefits, including health coverage, a robust wellness program (Spouses can participate, too!), onsite employee wellness center, longevity pay, tuition reimbursement, and more. The value of Gwinnett County benefits can be up to 49 percent of an individual's total compensation.
World-class community
More than a million residents make up Gwinnett's diverse community. The County is located just 45 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Georgia Highway 316 reduces travel time to the University of Georgia to 25 minutes.
Gwinnett County is an award-winning employer!
  • Atlanta's Healthiest Employer by Atlanta Business Chronicle
  • Green Communities Platinum Certification for Gwinnett County from the Atlanta Regional Commission
  • Top 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America by Springbuk and PR NewsWire and more!

Vision
Gwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives!
Mission
Gwinnett proudly supports our vibrantly connected community by delivering superior services.
Values
Integrity: We believe in being honest, building trust, and having strong moral principles.
Accountability: We believe in stewardship, transparency, and sustainability.
Equity: We believe in fairness and respect for all.
Inclusivity: We believe in engaging, embracing, and unifying our communities.
Innovation: We believe in continual adaptation of technology, process, and experience.
Hiring Process
Gwinnett County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding our hiring process, please click the links below:
Gwinnett County is committed to creating a diverse workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information (including sex), race, color, national origin (including ancestry), gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status (including pregnancy), disability, military or veteran status, religion, political affiliation, immigration status, homeless status, or any other category protected by law.
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities may be requested. If you need an accommodation during the application, interview, or testing process, contact Human Resources at 770.822.7915 or HREmployeeRelations@GwinnettCounty.com. This email is only for accommodation requests; for questions related to job postings, use jobs@gwinnettcounty.com.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
On average, our employees' benefits are worth 48 percent of their base salary!
In other words, employees would spend nearly half of their pay to purchase these benefits on their own. For employees' medical premium alone, the County contributes an average of 91 percent of the cost!
Health
  • Medical plans for active and retired employees
  • Dental and vision plans
  • Prescription drug plan

Wellness
  • Onsite Employee Wellness Center
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Immunizations
  • Wellness education and incentive programs
  • Annual wellness fair

Family and Career
  • Training and professional development opportunities
  • Family planning benefits
  • Four weeks of paid parental leave

Time
  • Annual/Sick Leave
  • 12 paid holidays per calendar year
  • 1 paid floating holiday per calendar year

Money
  • Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) available
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) available
  • Retirement and Savings Plans
  • 401(a) Defined Contribution
  • 457 (b) Deferred Compensation
  • Longevity pay
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Financial education programs

Protection
  • Basic, optional, and dependent life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Critical illness and accident insurance
  • Hospital indemnity insurance
  • Identity theft protection

To learn more about the Benefits offered at Gwinnett County, click here.
01
I agree to answer each of the following questions honestly and thoroughly. I understand that the information I provide will be verified throughout the hiring process.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you 18 years old or older?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you presently hold a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you currently a certified Firefighter?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Are you currently a certified EMT?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If yes, please attach a copy of Fire certifications and EMS cards with your application.
07
If you are currently a certified National Registry (NR) or State of GA EMT, please provide your EMT license number. If you are not currently a Certified EMT, please respond N/A.
08
Do you have any commitments that would not allow you to work on various shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or other periods?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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