1

Lateral Entry Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Medic

Fairfax, VA

$71K - $120K/yr

... current firefighter/paramedics looking to lateral to our progressive accredited department ... entry tools and other equipment carried on the apparatus as required. Responds to water and ice ...

Fire Medic

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$71K - $120K/yr

... current firefighter/paramedics looking to lateral to our progressive accredited department ... entry tools and other equipment carried on the apparatus as required. Responds to water and ice ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lateral Entry Firefighter information

See salary details

$23K

$56.1K

$100K

How much do lateral entry firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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:
Infographic showing various Lateral Entry Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,072 per year, or $27 per hour.
Public Safety Dispatcher II (LATERAL ONLY)

Public Safety Dispatcher II (LATERAL ONLY)

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$76K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 700 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside Police Department is looking for EXPERIENCED dispatch professionals to join our team. We are now accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Dispatcher II (LATERAL). If you are currently employed as a Dispatcher for a law enforcement agency, we encourage you to apply!.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies within this classification in the Communications Division of the Riverside Police Department. Public Safety Dispatchers II under general supervision, perform journey level work in operating radio-telephone transmitting and receiving equipment and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system on an assigned shift; dispatch required law-enforcement, fire, medical or other emergency services, personnel and equipment; and perform related work as required. Work Performed Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Receive incoming telephone and voice radio calls on an assigned shift; input and retrieve information in a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.

Obtain and record information using voice radio and a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to dispatch necessary law enforcement, fire, medical and other emergency services such as ambulances and tow trucks. Compile data and maintain records of emergency responses, equipment and personnel dispatched, and/or disposition of emergencies. Send, receive and decode teletype information.

Provide a variety of public information relating to law enforcement or fire activities as permitted. Run inquiries on DOJ, National Crime Information Service, FBI, Stolen Vehicle System. Operate a variety of equipment such as a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, 9-1-1 telephone system and alarm monitoring system.

Calm distressed citizens on the phone. Keep radio and/or mobile data computer (MDC) contact with police and fire units on assignments. Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.

Participate in the dispatcher selection process. Train Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee and Dispatcher and participate in evaluating their performance. May provide lead supervision in the absence of the lead supervisor or Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

Aid in the development and implementation of training programs for entry and journey level dispatchers. Provide periodic input for review of dispatcher training manual and other training materials and updates as necessary. Qualifications Education and Experience: Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience: Six months of non-probationary experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher for a Police or Fire Department. Necessary Special Requirements: Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, as well as days, swing and graveyard shifts. Must be able to pass an extensive police background investigation.

Must be able to sit for long periods in a confined area and wear a headset. Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months of employment, a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate. Desired Qualifications: Successful completion of a POST Dispatcher academy.

Possession of a POST Basic Dispatcher Certificate or equivalent certificate. CURRENT EMPLOYMENT with a POST agency as a dispatcher, or equivalent classification. Selection Process The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process.

This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification. It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

IMPORTANT: Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, medical/physical examination, and drug and alcohol test; and may be subject to polygraph examination, and/or psychological examination As part of the background investigation, all claims of education and experience made in the employment application process, as well as other information submitted, will be verified. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

Some candidates may be disqualified indefinitely due to the results of their background investigation. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.


What City Of Riverside (California) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom