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$24

How much do smoke jumper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for smoke jumper in the United States is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are smoke jumpers?

Smoke jumpers are highly trained wildland firefighters who parachute into remote areas to combat wildfires. Their main role is to reach fires that are difficult to access by ground, provide initial attack, and prevent the fires from spreading. Smoke jumpers carry all the equipment they need, including fire suppression tools and survival gear, and often work in challenging and dangerous conditions. Their work is vital in protecting forests, wildlife, and communities from wildfire threats.

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

To thrive as a Smoke Jumper, you need specialized wildfire suppression training, exceptional physical fitness, and experience in firefighting or forestry, often supported by certifications like Firefighter Type 1 and parachute jump training. Competence in using firefighting tools, GPS navigation, and radio communication systems is essential for effective field operations. Critical soft skills include teamwork, resilience, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under extreme pressure. These skills and qualities are crucial for safely containing wildfires, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of the team in hazardous environments.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by smoke jumpers during wildfire response operations?

Smoke jumpers often face unpredictable and hazardous conditions, including rough terrain, intense heat, and rapidly changing weather patterns. The job requires them to parachute into remote locations with limited access to supplies and immediate support. They must work closely with a small team to establish fire lines, suppress flames, and ensure everyone's safety, often for extended periods. Adaptability, physical endurance, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are essential for success in this demanding role.

What is the difference between Smoke Jumper vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectSmoke JumperForest Firefighter
Required CertificationsWildland Firefighter Certification, Basic EMTWildland Firefighter Certification, Basic EMT
Work EnvironmentAerial deployment, remote forest areas, high-risk fire zonesGround-based, forest and grassland areas, fire suppression
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Forest Service, BLM, firefighting agenciesState and federal agencies, local fire departments

Both Smoke Jumpers and Forest Firefighters work in wildfire suppression, often requiring similar certifications. Smoke Jumpers specialize in aerial deployment into remote areas, performing rapid initial attack on wildfires, while Forest Firefighters typically work on the ground, managing and controlling fires in accessible terrains. The main difference lies in their deployment methods and work environments, with Smoke Jumpers operating from aircraft in high-risk, hard-to-reach areas.

More about Smoke Jumper jobs
What cities are hiring for Smoke Jumper jobs? Cities with the most Smoke Jumper job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Smoke Jumper jobs? The most popular types of Smoke Jumper jobs are:
What states have the most Smoke Jumper jobs? States with the most job openings for Smoke Jumper jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Smoke Jumper jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Smoke Jumper jobs are:
Smoke Jumper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Smoke Jumper job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 42% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $33,111 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

92R Parachute Rigger

National Guard OMD

Marietta, GA

$200 - $250/wk

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Take your skills to new heights as a Parachute Rigger in the Army National Guard. You will be responsible for the safety of the men, women, and equipment that are using the parachutes you pack. This requires incredible attention to detail, as chutes of varying sizes must be precisely packed and maintained. In addition to packing chutes, you will take responsibility for maintaining the materials of the chute as well. This includes patching, sewing, and storage of the chutes, packs, and web gear.
Did we mention that you'll be jumping too? To test your chute-packing abilities, you'll be required to jump in a chute you packed yourself. But don't worry! Your training, which includes airborne jump training, will fully prepare you for the adventure.
Job Duties
• Rig supplies, equipment, and vehicles for airdrop
• Perform technical, routine, and in-storage rigger-type inspection on cargo, extraction, and personnel parachutes, as well as other airdrop equipment before, during, and after each use
• Inventory, clean, receive, store, and issue all airdrop equipment used in airdrop operations
• Use and maintain machines and tools for fabrication, modification and repair to parachutes and other airdrop equipment
• Inspect, test, and install extraction and release systems
Some of the Skills You'll Learn
• Maintenance of air-sea rescue equipment
• Repair of inflatable rafts and other survival equipment
Helpful Skills
• Knowledge of shop mechanics and science
• High attention to detail
• Interest in contributing to the safety of others
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with parachute rigging and supply companies, commercial parachuting schools, some government agencies, and survival equipment manufacturing firms.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for a Parachute Rigger consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 16 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.
Benefits/Requirements
Benefits
  • Paid training
  • A monthly paycheck
  • Montgomery GI Bill
  • Federal and State tuition assistance
  • Retirement benefits for part-time service
  • Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
  • 401(k)-type savings plan
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
  • Health care benefits available
  • VA home loans
  • Bonuses, if applicable
  • Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change

Requirements
  • Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
  • Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
  • Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
  • Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
  • Must meet citizenship requirements (see NATIONALGUARD.com for details)

Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
Other Job Information
Job ID: 1266
ZIP Code: 30069
Job Category: Supply and Logistics
Age Requirements: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 smoke jumper skydiver sky diver parachutist helper assistant

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