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Professional Firefighter Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter / Paramedic

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

The City of Salina values its employees & promotes an environment that encourages both professional ... firefighting, emergency medical care, rescue, fire prevention, equipment maintenance & related ...

We are seeking a Firefighter to join the Seward County Rural Fire Department. This position is ... information for three professional references. Selection Process: Meeting the minimum ...

Firefighter / Paramedic

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

The City of Salina values its employees & promotes an environment that encourages both professional ... firefighting, emergency medical care, rescue, fire prevention, equipment maintenance & related ...

We are seeking a Firefighter to join the Seward County Rural Fire Department. This position is ... information for three professional references. Selection Process: Meeting the minimum ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Kansas City, KS ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Overland Park, KS ยท On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Wichita, KS ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Topeka, KS ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Pittsburg, KS ยท On-site

$12.50 - $14.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense ... Professional credentials and certifications * College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate ...

Firefighter ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK * 1.* While wearing personal protective ensembles and self ... Ability to perform duties professionally and satisfactorily in a full 24-hour shift. * Ability to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Firefighter information

See Kansas salary details

$25.4K

$53.2K

$89.2K

How much do professional firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional firefighter in Kansas is $53,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Professional Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Professional Firefighter job openings:

Firefighter/Minimum EMT

Junction City, KS

Junction City, KS โ€ข On-site

$19 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary: $19.00 - $29.00 Hourly
Location : Junction City Fire Station #1
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400006
Department: Fire Department
Opening Date: 10/24/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Junction City Fire Fighters Association
Description
MUST HAVE CURRENT KS EMT OR HIGHER, OR NATIONAL EMT OR HIGHER EQUIVALAENT CERTIFICATION. MUST ALSO HAVE A CURRENT CPAT (CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST)
This position is a frontline entry level, probationary, public safety position requiring abilities in firefighting, rescue, fire prevention and EMS under the responsibility of the direct supervisor. Work of the Firefighter EMT, AEMT or Paramedic involves responsibility for the protection of life and property damage, maintaining departmental equipment, facilities, as well as promoting fire prevention practices and other pertinent safety information to the public. Work is performed using the application of standard firefighting and EMS techniques within the policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, rules and regulations. Salary based on certification.
Examples of Duties
  • Completion of needed qualifications to meet the minimum Job Performance Requirements for NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, Firefighter I.
  • Performs firefighting activities including driving departmental vehicles, operating pumps and related equipment, laying hose, and performing fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks.
  • Performs EMS activities, to include patient care and/or transport.
  • Participates in fire drills, attends classes in firefighting, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and related subjects.
  • Receives and relays all emergent and non-emergent communications.
  • Participates in the inspection of buildings, hydrants, and other structures in support of fire prevention and/or building code compliance programs.
  • Maintains departmental equipment, apparatus and facilities. Performs general maintenance and upkeep of departmental facilities and equipment.
  • Assists in developing plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, training programs, firefighting, hazardous materials, communications, and EMS.
  • Assist with presentation of programs to the community on safety, EMS, and fire prevention topics.
  • Performs salvage and over-haul operations.
  • Prepares, maintains and submits for review various reports necessary to departmental operations in accordance with departmental policies and procedures regarding patient care report documentation, to include reports on EMS runs.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Requirements:
  • Applicant must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Must possess and maintain a Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services/National Registry of Emergency Medical Services Technicians certificate for Emergency Medical Technician, (EMT; AEMT, or EMT-Paramedic).
  • CPAT is required.
  • Must be able and have the ability to undergo Firefighter qualifications in accordance with NFPA 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Must be willing to undergo a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening and criminal background check.

Knowledge of:
  • Successful competition of probationary training established by the department.
  • Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment.
  • Skill in the operation of the tools and equipment within the department.
  • Apply standard firefighting, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques.
  • Perform strenuous or peak physical effort during emergency, training or station maintenance activities for prolonged periods of time under conditions of extreme heights, intense heat, cold or smoke.

Ability to:
  • Ability to learn the operation of fire suppression and other emergency equipment, apply standard firefighting, EMS, hazardous materials, and fire prevention techniques.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; communicate clearly and effectively either orally or in writing.
  • Ability to frequently solve complex problems, including citizen concerns and complaints.
  • Ability to make decisions concerning patient care and basic firefighting activities as needed.
  • Ability to establish good working relationships within the department and with the community.
  • Ability to achieve NFPA Equivalent to Firefighter I & II; NIMS 100,200,700,800, Wildland S- 130, S-190;
  • Ability to think and act effectively in emergency and stressful situations
  • Ability to perform fire-fighting functions or other emergency operations while wearing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Skills:
  • Working knowledge of driver safety and EMS.
  • Basic computer skills.

Supplemental Information
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.
The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings, and loud at an emergency scene.
Job Advertisement
Junction City Fire Department (JCFD) is a Fire based EMS system. In your first year with the Fire Department, you will be trained under close supervision for the protection of life and property. Training includes working as an EMS Technician at your current level of qualification and understanding your role as a Firefighter/EMS Technician with the JCFD. We make sure you have great training at your side because we believe your success is our success!
Join the brave men and women on the Junction City Fire Department team and give back to this community who are dedicated to serving its citizens.
Disclaimer
This description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, holidays, and paid time off.
Part-time employees who work an average of 999 hours over the course of a year, receive retirement benefits.
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a current CPAT?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a current NREMT or EMT license?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question