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Paid Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

GovernmentJobs.com

Firefighter / Paramedic

Banning, CA · On-site

$7.1K - $9.0K/mo

... Paid Vacation, Sick, Personal Time (with successful completion of probationary period) • Paid Time off for Bereavement and Jury Duty • Tuition Reimbursement Program • Employee Discounts, Gas ...

U.S. Navy

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Pomona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... Paid training * College credit EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES * Undergraduate degree opportunities * Navy ...

City of Montclair, CA

Fire Engineer

Montclair, CA · On-site

$89K - $108K/yr

At least two years of paid full-time experience as a Firefighter with a public agency. LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS 1. A valid California Driver License with a Firefighter endorsement. 2. A valid ...

City of Montclair

Fire Engineer

Montclair, CA · On-site

$89K - $108K/yr

At least two years of paid full-time experience as a Firefighter with a public agency LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS 1. A valid California Driver License with a Firefighter endorsement. 2. A valid ...

U.S. Navy

AVIATION BOATSWAINS MATE, AIRCRAFT FUELS

Pomona, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Training and directing firefighting crews, fire rescue teams and damage control parties assigned to ... A retirement plan * Paid training EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES * Navy College Program and Tuition ...

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All JobsPaid Firefighter JobsPaid Firefighter Jobs in Riverside, CA

Paid Firefighter information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.7K

$62.2K

$104.3K

How much do paid firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for paid firefighter in Riverside, CA is $62,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges paid firefighters face during a typical shift?

Paid firefighters often encounter unpredictable and high-pressure situations, including responding to fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous material incidents. Shifts can be physically demanding and may last 24 hours, requiring teamwork, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills. Additionally, firefighters must maintain equipment, participate in ongoing training, and complete detailed reports, all while balancing the emotional toll of emergency response work. Effective stress management and camaraderie within the team are essential to handling these challenges.

What is a paid firefighter?

Paid firefighters are professional emergency responders employed by municipal, county, or private fire departments to protect life and property from fires and other hazards. Unlike volunteer firefighters, paid firefighters receive a regular salary and benefits for their work. Their duties include responding to fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and conducting fire prevention education. They typically undergo rigorous training and must meet physical and educational requirements. Paid firefighters often work in shifts to provide 24/7 emergency coverage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paid firefighter?

To thrive as a Paid Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, emergency medical training, and completion of fire academy certification, often with a high school diploma or GED as a baseline. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, emergency response systems, and specialized certifications like EMT or paramedic credentials are commonly required. Teamwork, quick decision-making, and resilience under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for effective emergency response, ensuring safety, and providing life-saving services in high-risk situations.

How do you become a paid firefighter?

To become a paid firefighter, candidates typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical fitness tests, and obtain firefighter training through a fire academy or training program. Many departments also require certification such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and passing written and practical exams, followed by applying for open positions and undergoing interviews and background checks.

What is the difference between Paid Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectPaid FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often requiredBasic training, certification varies by department
Work EnvironmentFull-time, scheduled shifts at fire stationsPart-time, on-call basis, often at local fire departments
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by city, county, or municipal agenciesOperates within volunteer fire departments, community-based

Paid firefighters typically work full-time with formal training and certifications, providing emergency services as their primary job. Volunteer firefighters serve part-time, often balancing other jobs, and assist in emergencies without regular pay. Both roles are vital for community safety but differ mainly in employment status, compensation, and work commitments.

What are popular job titles related to Paid Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Paid Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Paid Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Paid Firefighter jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Paid Firefighter jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Paid Firefighter job openings:

Paid Firefighter jobs near you

Firefighter/Paramedic - Part-Time

GovernmentJobs.com

Canyon Lake, CA • On-site

$22.40 - $27.22/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Firefighter / Paramedic

The City of Canyon Lake is seeking qualified men and women for the position of Firefighter /Paramedic. This recruitment is to fill one position immediately and then to establish a current employment eligibility list of qualified candidates. Under the direction of a Fire Captain, as both a Firefighter and a Paramedic assigned to a 48-hour shift, perform the following duties: responds to fire, medical, environmental, hazardous material, weather, and disaster related emergencies; initiates emergency care to the sick and/or injured patients; renders first aid and lifesaving techniques; engages in fire prevention, suppression, and salvage activities; performs inspection and code enforcement activities; conducts public education session regarding fire/emergency/disaster practices and procedures; maintains fire station and equipment; drives fire department apparatus and vehicles; attends instruction sessions related to the job; completes required reports and administrative duties, participates in a variety of training exercises; and performs other special projects or other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education equivalent to graduation from High School – Associates Degree preferred.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and an acceptable driving record plus the ability to obtain a Firefighter's Endorsement license prior to the end of probation.
  • Possession of a valid California State Paramedic License and be able to obtain Riverside County Emergency Medical Services Agency accreditation as a condition of employment, including a current American Heart Association Health Care Professional/BLS, PALS, ACLS, and PHTLS/ITLS/TPATC cards or equivalent.
  • Graduation from a Fire Academy which meets California state requirements for Firefighter I certification or one-year as a full-time paid Firefighter with a municipal, state, or federal all-risk fire agency. Experience with a Paramedic provider agency is desired.
  • Valid Firefighters Physical Ability Test (current within one-year of application closing date).

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Possession of Hazardous Materials FRO, ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, Low Angle Rope Rescue, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, S-130 Firefighter Training, Auto Extrication, and Fire Control 3 certifications.
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in related field.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Compensation Range: $22.40 - $27.22 an hour.
  • Medicare: City pays 1.45% of employee's salary into Medicare.
  • Leave: 40 hours of sick leave per year.
  • Schedule: Incumbents are required to perform two 24-hour shifts per month.
  • Retirement: City paid contribution of 12.5% with employee match of 2.5%. This is a defined benefit program and not Cal PERS. 1st year employee pays 7.5% and City match at 7.5%.

Location: 31516 Railroad Canyon Road Canyon Lake, California, 92587

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