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On Call Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Geneva, IL

Paid On-Call Firefighter

Geneva, IL · On-site

$18.83/hr

The City of Geneva Fire Department is seeking dedicated, community-minded individuals to join our team as Paid On-Call Firefighters. No experience? No problem! Whether you are looking to start your ...

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On Call Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do on call firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for on call 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 on call firefighter?

On call firefighters, also known as retained firefighters, are part-time members of the fire service who respond to emergencies when needed, often alongside their main job or other commitments. They typically live or work close to their local fire station and carry a pager to alert them when their presence is required. On call firefighters attend a variety of incidents, including fires, road accidents, and rescues, and receive training to maintain their skills. They play a crucial role in communities, especially in rural or less densely populated areas where full-time fire stations may not be feasible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an on call firefighter?

To thrive as an On Call Firefighter, you typically need a good level of physical fitness, basic firefighting training, and often a valid driving license. Familiarity with emergency communication systems, breathing apparatus, and firefighting equipment is essential, and some roles may require completion of fire service qualifications or first aid certification. Strong teamwork, resilience under pressure, and effective communication skills are vital soft skills for this position. These abilities are crucial to ensure rapid, coordinated, and safe responses to emergencies in unpredictable situations.

How do on call firefighters balance their emergency response duties with other work or personal commitments?

On call firefighters typically have flexibility in managing their availability, as they are not based at the station full-time but respond to incidents when alerted. Many have other jobs or responsibilities and coordinate their on call shifts in advance, often with the support of employers and family. Effective time management, clear communication with their fire service team, and understanding the local station's expectations are key to balancing these commitments. It's common to be part of a supportive crew that understands the unique challenges of being on call, and teamwork plays a big role in ensuring coverage and minimizing conflicts.

What is the difference between On Call Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectOn Call FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsBasic firefighter certification, EMT certification often requiredSimilar certifications, may vary by department
Work EnvironmentResponds to emergencies as needed, often part-timeResponds to emergencies voluntarily, often in community-based departments
Employer/Industry UsageEmployed or contracted by fire departments, paid on callUnpaid, community-based fire departments

On Call Firefighters are typically paid or contracted personnel who respond to emergencies as needed, often holding certifications like EMT. Volunteer Firefighters serve without pay, primarily in community departments, and share similar training requirements. Both roles are essential for emergency response, but differ mainly in compensation and organizational structure.

What cities are hiring for On Call Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most On Call 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 On Call Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for On Call Firefighter jobs include:

On Call Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various On Call Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Paid On Call Firefighter

City Of Rochelle

Rochelle, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Paid On Call Firefighter

Rochelle Fire Department is looking to add Paid On Call Firefighters. This position requires no training. Education, training and certification can be made available to you upon hire. If you currently hold a Basic Ops Firefighter certification and EMT-B or Paramedic license, full shift hours can be made available to you upon hire. For more information please view our flyer and website to learn more about our community minded Fire Department.

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