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Professional Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Professional Firefighter

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$32K - $51K/yr

If you have taken the National Testing Network CPAT test within the last 6 months of the application deadline for the City of Pensacola Professional Firefighter position, then you can submit those ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Dupont, WA · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

The DuPont Fire Department has a dedicated, professional and passionate staff who serve the ... Firefighters have a high risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, toxic chemicals and infectious ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Dupont, WA · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

The DuPont Fire Department has a dedicated, professional and passionate staff who serve the ... Firefighters have a high risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, toxic chemicals and infectious ...

Firefighter Paramedic

Dupont, WA · On-site

$82K - $109K/yr

The DuPont Fire Department has a dedicated, professional and passionate staff who serve the ... Firefighters have a high risk of exposure to hazardous conditions, toxic chemicals and infectious ...

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Professional Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do professional firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional firefighter, and why are they important?

A Professional Firefighter must possess strong physical fitness, emergency medical training (often EMT certification), and a high school diploma or equivalent. They regularly use firefighting equipment, rescue tools, breathing apparatus, and specialized communication systems, often requiring ongoing certification and technical training. Critical soft skills include teamwork, stress management, quick decision-making, and effective communication during high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital to ensure rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies and to safeguard both public and team safety.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professional firefighters during their shifts?

Professional firefighters regularly encounter physically demanding situations, exposure to hazardous materials, and unpredictable emergency calls, which can make their shifts both physically and mentally taxing. Balancing rapid response with safety protocols is essential, as is coping with the emotional impact of emergency incidents. Additionally, firefighters often work long shifts in close-knit teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to manage stress and ensure effective collaboration.

What is a professional firefighter?

Professional firefighters are trained emergency responders employed by municipal, regional, or private fire departments to protect lives, property, and the environment from fires and other hazards. Their duties include extinguishing fires, performing rescues, administering first aid, and responding to various emergencies such as car accidents or hazardous material spills. In addition to emergency response, they also conduct fire prevention inspections, educate the public about fire safety, and maintain firefighting equipment. Professional firefighters typically work in shifts and must meet physical and educational requirements, often including certification through fire academies.

What is the difference between Professional Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectProfessional FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often requiredBasic training, certification varies by department
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid position in urban or suburban areasPart-time, unpaid or stipend-based, often in rural areas
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, government agenciesCommunity-based fire departments, volunteer organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career stability and trainingCompared for community service and volunteer opportunities

Professional Firefighters are full-time, paid personnel with formal training and certifications, working in urban or suburban settings. Volunteer Firefighters, on the other hand, serve part-time without pay, primarily in rural areas, and have varying levels of training. Both roles are vital to fire safety but differ in commitment, compensation, and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Professional Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Professional 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 Professional Firefighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Firefighter jobs include:

Professional Firefighter

City of Pensacola

Pensacola, FL • On-site

$32K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Description Pay: $43,000.00 ***PAT testing will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026; Thursday, August 13, 2026; and Friday, August 14, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Pensacola Fire Station 4, located at 1 N Q St, Pensacola, FL 32505. Please ensure you are able to attend one of these in-person PAT dates

Out-of-town applicants are encouraged to complete the PAT on Friday, August 14, 2026, unless another date is needed. *** More information on preparing for the PAT can be found here: https://www.cityofpensacola.com/3005/Fire-Cadet-Entry-Information ***Interviews will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Only the applicants with the 15-16 fastest PAT times will be invited to interview

Virtual interviews are available upon request***. NOTE: If you have taken the National Testing Network CPAT test within the last 6 months of the application deadline for the City of Pensacola Professional Firefighter position, then you can submit those passing results (by attaching them to your application or emailing TaMcCreary@cityofpensacola.com) instead of coming to Pensacola Fire Department for the PAT. You are not required to take the PAT if you are a graduating student of GSTC EMT/Fire Academy within 6 months of scheduled Professional Firefighter PAT

Minimum Preparation for Work: Graduation from high school or equivalent; and Certification in the State of Florida as a Firefighter. Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks. Applicants must have been free from the use of tobacco or tobacco products for one (1) year prior to application and remain tobacco-free for the duration of employment.

Nature of Work: This is primarily fire suppression work although fire prevention and apparatus operations activities may be required. An employee in this class is responsible for the rapid and efficient performance of specialized skills in preventing and fighting fires. Much of this employee's work is performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazard.

Special orders and directions are given by superior officers, but the work requires a working understanding of fire fighting methods. Examples of Work: Attends company drills at the station and the drill tower. Attends classes and seminars dealing with such subjects as chemistry, building construction and materials, blue print reading, and apparatus operation.

Assists with the inspection of fire hydrants. Lays and connects hose; raises and climbs ladders; uses hose nozzles to direct fog, chemical or water streams with a minimum of water damage in the efficient control and extinguishment of fire. Efficiently places salvage covers; sweeps or pumps water from buildings; provides catch?alls and water chutes; removes debris; and shores up weakened structures.

Tests, maintains, cleans, and repairs fire hose. Performs prolonged and arduous work under hazardous conditions. Deals with rescue conditions such as a toxic atmosphere in structural fires, train derailments, hazardous chemical leaks, weakened structures, natural disasters, (flooding, hurricanes), excavation cave?ins, bulk fuel storage fires, shipboard fires, or arson.

Assists in the extrication of victims of automobile accidents; provides traffic control and basic life support. Performs domestic chores around the stations, maintaining an atmosphere of cleanliness and orderliness. Stands watch and is of assistance to the public on a 24-hour basis, answering phones and listing information received, filling out miscellaneous reports, as well as greeting the public in a courteous manner.

Conducts home safety surveys. Provides fire prevention information. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of air crash rescue apparatus and operations.

Knowledge of the systematic removal of toxic smoke and gases to prevent a smoke explosion or back draft. Knowledge of all rescue techniques and rescue equipment. Knowledge of portable extinguisher, their effective use and limitations, and proper placement and type.

Knowledge of building codes and the ability to use them in the performance of company building inspections. Knowledge of water flow and restrictions of such flow as elevation, friction, length, and size of hose lays. Knowledge of operating procedures of elevators in emergency situations pertinent to evacuation, ventilation, and fire safety.

Knowledge of different aircraft types, systems, construction, and airport operations procedures (normal and emergency). Knowledge of emergency plan for regional airport. Knowledge of rescue and extrication procedures for victims from an aircraft emergency situation.

Knowledge of aircraft fire procedures. Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the fire department. Knowledge of the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals and their reactions to heat, water, and the mixing with other chemicals.

Ability to effectively perform from erected ladders at heights up to 100 feet. Ability to use protective breathing apparatus. Ability to operate as a member of an organized firefighting team.

Ability to use basic hand tools and more complicated devices such as pneumatic chisels, jaws of life, and explosive forcible entry. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Confidence in the ability of self and other personnel in the company.

The mental and physical demands and the work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Mental and Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to hold or feel, reach with hands and arms, walk, talk, smell and hear.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, crouch and crawl. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves over 100 pounds.

Work Environment: An employee in this job is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, and has a risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment may be loud. This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.

It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.