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Private Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Barstow, CA · On-site

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Albany, GA · On-site

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Dahlgren, VA

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Indian Head, MD · On-site

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

US Department of the Navy

FIREFIGHTER

Camp Pendleton, CA · On-site

$46K/yr

... in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) ... Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and ...

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Private Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do private firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for private 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 are private firefighters?

Private firefighters are professionals hired by private companies, organizations, or individuals to protect specific properties from fire risks. Unlike municipal firefighters who serve the general public, private firefighters often work in high-risk industries like oil and gas, or are contracted by insurance companies to defend homes during wildfire events. Their responsibilities can include fire prevention, emergency response, risk assessment, and sometimes even training others in fire safety. Private firefighting teams typically have specialized equipment and training tailored to the unique needs of their clients.

What are some unique challenges private firefighters face compared to those in public fire departments?

Private firefighters often work in specialized environments, such as industrial sites, remote locations, or large private properties, which means they may encounter unique risks like hazardous materials or limited access to municipal resources. These roles can require greater adaptability, as teams are sometimes smaller and may need to handle a broader range of emergencies, including medical incidents or security threats. Additionally, private firefighters frequently collaborate closely with site management and security personnel, so strong communication skills and the ability to quickly assess and respond to evolving situations are essential.

What is the 7k rule for firefighters?

The 7k rule for firefighters refers to a guideline that suggests maintaining a minimum of 7,000 hours of training and experience to qualify for certain advanced firefighting roles or certifications. It emphasizes the importance of extensive hands-on experience, ongoing training, and skill development in the firefighting profession.

What is the difference between Private Firefighter vs Firefighter?

AspectPrivate FirefighterFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, CPR, EMT (if applicable)Firefighter certification, CPR, EMT (if applicable)
Work EnvironmentPrivate properties, industrial sites, private communitiesPublic fire departments, municipal stations
Employer & IndustryPrivate companies, security firms, industrial facilitiesMunicipal fire departments, government agencies

Both Private Firefighters and Firefighters require similar certifications and often work in environments involving fire suppression and emergency response. However, Private Firefighters typically serve private properties or industrial sites, while Firefighters work for public fire departments. The roles overlap in skills and training but differ mainly in employer and work setting.

What Does a Private Firefighter Do?

As a private firefighter, your responsibilities are similar to that of municipal or state firefighters. However, you are not a state employee. Instead, you work for an insurance company that insures individuals or private companies and contracts private firefighting services to protect clients’ properties or commercial buildings during wildfires or other disasters. Your duties are to respond to emergency calls from your employer and conduct fire suppression operations, such as spraying retardant on clients’ homes or removing flammable material near the buildings that the insurance company covers.

How do private firefighters work?

Private firefighters are trained professionals employed by private companies or organizations to provide fire protection services, often in specific facilities like industrial sites, private estates, or events. They typically work in teams, use specialized firefighting equipment, and may hold certifications such as firefighter or emergency medical responder licenses. Their duties include fire prevention, emergency response, and safety inspections, often operating on a fixed schedule or as needed during emergencies.

Can an epileptic be a firefighter?

Private firefighters, like other firefighting roles, typically require candidates to meet health and safety standards, which may include medical evaluations. Having epilepsy does not automatically disqualify a candidate, but it depends on the severity, control of symptoms, and the ability to perform essential duties safely, often requiring medical clearance and adherence to safety protocols.

What does 555 mean to a firefighter?

In firefighting, 555 is a common emergency phone number used in some regions to quickly reach fire services or emergency dispatch. It is often used as a shorthand or code in training and communication to indicate a fire emergency or to request assistance. Firefighters rely on clear communication protocols, and codes like 555 help streamline emergency responses.

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

To thrive as a Private Firefighter, you need comprehensive knowledge of fire suppression techniques, emergency medical response, and typically must hold state firefighter and EMT certifications. Familiarity with tools such as fire engines, hoses, breathing apparatus, and incident management systems is crucial. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication are vital soft skills for handling high-pressure emergencies. These abilities are important to ensure safety, quick response, and effective coordination in protecting lives and property for private clients or organizations.
More about Private Firefighter jobs
What cities are hiring for Private Firefighter jobs? Cities with the most Private Firefighter job openings:
What states have the most Private Firefighter jobs? States with the most job openings for Private Firefighter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Private Firefighter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Private Firefighter jobs are:
Private Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 78% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
FIREFIGHTER

FIREFIGHTER

US Department of the Navy

Barstow, CA • On-site

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill positions at various Department of the Navy Commands, including but not limited to Marine Corps and Commander, Navy Installations.Qualifications:GS-06:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department brigade performing any of the following tasks; 2) Performing rescue operations; 3) Detecting, reducing, or eliminating potential fire hazards; 4) Operating fire communications equipment; and 5) Controlling hazardous materials incidents. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
GS-05:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Performing structural and crash firefighting duties; 2) Operating firefighting communication equipment; 3) Using firefighting equipment such as: operating hoses, using ladders and hydrants; 4) Detecting the presence of potentially hazardous material. 5) Maintaining firefighting equipment and fire station facilities, performing functional test and inspection of firefighting equipment.
NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for the position.
Certifications for GS-06:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Firefighter,HazMat Operations, Driver Operator Pumper, and Driver Operator ARFF. These certifications must have been awarded by DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Certifications for GS-05:
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications: Firefighter I\II and HAZMAT Operations. The certifications must have been awarded by DOD, IFSAC, or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications you will be rated ineligible. Do you possess the above certifications?
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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