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Paid On Call Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paid on Call EMT/Firefighter

Adams, WI ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22.50/hr

The position of firefighter within the Jackson Fire Department is a responsible position which ... Required to fulfill on call time and respond to all fire and other emergency calls while on call. * ...

Paid on Call EMT/Firefighter

Jackson, WI ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

The position of firefighter within the Jackson Fire Department is a responsible position which ... Required to fulfill on call time and respond to all fire and other emergency calls while on call. * ...

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Paid On Call Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do paid on call firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for paid 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 a paid on call firefighter?

A Paid On Call Firefighter is a trained individual who responds to emergency calls, such as fires and medical incidents, as needed by their community. Unlike full-time firefighters, they are not stationed at the firehouse around the clock but are instead summoned when an emergency occurs. Paid On Call Firefighters often have other primary jobs or commitments and are compensated for each call or training session they attend. This role is essential in smaller communities where maintaining a full-time firefighting staff may not be feasible. They receive similar training to career firefighters and play a vital part in public safety.

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

To thrive as a Paid On Call Firefighter, you need a solid understanding of fire suppression, emergency medical response, and rescue techniques, usually supported by completion of firefighter training programs and EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, communication radios, and incident management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring effective emergency response, protecting lives and property, and maintaining safety in unpredictable situations.

How do paid on call firefighters typically balance their firefighting duties with other work or personal commitments?

Paid On Call Firefighters often juggle their emergency response duties alongside other full-time jobs or personal responsibilities, as they are summoned to duty only when needed. This requires strong time management and communication skills, as well as flexibility from both the firefighter and their primary employer. Most departments provide a schedule of expected availability and clear protocols for responding to calls, making it possible to plan ahead when possible. While this structure allows for valuable community service, it can also present challenges during periods of high call volume or unpredictable emergencies.

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

AspectPaid On Call FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsRequired certifications, training, and sometimes EMT/paramedic licensesSimilar certifications, often less extensive training
Work EnvironmentResponds to emergencies as part of paid duty, often during specific hoursResponds to emergencies voluntarily, often during evenings and weekends
Employer/Industry UsageEmployed by fire departments with paid on-call programsServes community fire departments as volunteers

Paid On Call Firefighters are paid for their emergency response duties and typically have formal training and certifications. Volunteer Firefighters serve without pay, often balancing firefighting with other jobs, but both roles are vital for community safety. The main difference lies in compensation and the structure of their service.

How do I become a paid on call firefighter?

To become a paid on call firefighter, candidates typically need to meet age and physical fitness requirements, complete firefighter training and certification, and pass background checks. They usually respond to emergencies part-time while maintaining other employment or commitments.

How does being a paid on-call firefighter work?

A paid on-call firefighter is a part-time emergency responder who is compensated for responding to emergencies when called. They typically hold other jobs and are required to stay available for training and emergency calls, often using pagers or communication systems. This role involves maintaining firefighting skills and certifications while balancing other employment commitments.

Is 27 too late to be a paid on call firefighter?

Paid on call firefighters can typically start at age 18 or older, but age limits vary by department. Being 27 is generally not too late to begin training and volunteering, and many departments value maturity and life experience in their volunteers.
More about Paid On Call Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for Paid On Call Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Paid On Call Firefighter job openings:

What states have the most Paid On Call Firefighter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Paid On Call Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Paid On-Call Firefighter

City of Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights, MN โ€ข On-site

$15.45 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Description This is a Paid On-call Position. Candidates must have a seven-minute response time from home to fire station. This is a non-supervisory and non-administrative position.

Work is performed in the field or in the fire station. The work involves performing firefighting and rescue techniques which are required in both life threatening and non-emergency situations as required when requested by the public. Included in the work is the application of judgment based on training required for the position of firefighter and experience gained through fire and rescue operations.

Work is performed under the general direction of a captain or lieutenant and under the overall supervision of the Chief's Staff. In the absence of an officer the senior firefighter will be in command until relieved by an officer. Qualifications Minimum Requirements for Firefighters Have a seven-minute response time from home to fire station 18 years of age or older Minnesota Driver's license (Class D or better) No physical disabilities which would prevent performing fire and rescue procedures Successfully pass a department agility test Successfully pass a department physical exam including a drug test (note,marijuana usewhile legal in MN is prohibited for Public Safety positions).

Maintain minimum training and call response requirements stipulated by fire department policy Supplemental Information Desireable Skills for Incoming Firefighters Knowledge of relevant fire department policies, city ordinances, and state statutes governing fire departments Knowledge in principles of firefighting, rescue, and first aid Knowledge and proficiency in the use of rescue and fire tools and equipment Skill in the use of all equipment for fire, rescue, and medical operations. Ability to quickly coordinate operations on a fire or rescue scene with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances Maintain a high image in appearance and manners Desirable Experience & Training Basic training in the emergency medical field Basic understanding of firefighting principles High school diploma or equivalent Able to respond to fire and rescue calls when in the area Work Environment: Work environment varies from working in City office setting to all parts of all commercial, retail, industrial facilities, construction sites, to work in hazardous fire investigation sites and/or active fire scenes. The work involves occasionally working near moving equipment and mechanical parts; high and precarious places; exposed to wet/hot/cold/humid conditions; exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or hazardous chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and hazardous conditions requiring the use of protective clothing and equipment.

Job will also require a quick response time of 7 min. from home to fire station and be able to respond for coverage 24/7. Driving in extreme weather conditions, working under time pressure constraints, stress and risks associated with potential life-threatening situations and service calls.

Dealing with the future potential for significantly increased risk of cancer, cardiac and post-traumatic stress disorders. Work requires constant attention to safety and health procedures, proper fire/rescue/EMS techniques. Physical Job Requirements: Employee is required to frequently sit, walk, talk, listen and hear, climb, stoop, and kneel, crouch, and/or crawl; continuously use hands/fingers dexterously, reach with hands and arms.

Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 25 lbs. frequently; and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Frequent exposure to stress, life threatening emergencies, unstable buildings, hazardous chemicals, and witnessing traumatic events including severe injuries and loss of life.