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$14

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$22

How much do type 2 wildland firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for type 2 wildland firefighter in the United States is $17.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Type 2 Wildland Firefighter?

To excel as a Type 2 Wildland Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, basic fire behavior knowledge, and completion of required training such as the S-130/S-190 courses and a valid Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) certification. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, hand tools (Pulaski, McLeod), fire shelters, and radio communication systems is crucial. Dependability, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this demanding environment. These skills are essential to ensure safety, effective fire suppression, and seamless coordination with crew members during dynamic and often hazardous wildfire situations.

What is a typical work schedule like for a Type 2 Wildland Firefighter during fire season?

During fire season, Type 2 Wildland Firefighters often work long hours, which may include 12- to 16-hour shifts and multi-day assignments, depending on wildfire activity and crew needs. Schedules can be highly variable, with periods of intense deployment to active fire incidents, followed by time off for rest and recovery. Firefighters are expected to be on-call and deploy quickly when needed, sometimes working in remote locations for extended periods. This structure is designed to ensure rapid response to wildfires while prioritizing crew safety and compliance with work-rest requirements.

How to become a type 2 wildland firefighter?

To become a Type 2 Wildland Firefighter, applicants typically need to be at least 18 years old, pass a physical fitness test, and complete basic wildland firefighting training such as the S-130 and S-190 courses. Prior experience with firefighting or outdoor work can be beneficial, and certification in first aid and CPR is often required. Employment is usually seasonal and involves working in remote environments with long hours.

What is a Type 2 Wildland Firefighter?

A Type 2 Wildland Firefighter is an entry-level position responsible for suppressing wildfires, conducting controlled burns, and maintaining firelines. They work as part of a hand crew under experienced leadership, using tools like chainsaws, shovels, and pulaskis to contain fires. Duties may also include clearing vegetation, performing fire prevention tasks, and assisting with post-fire recovery efforts. Firefighters must be physically fit and complete required training, including the Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) certification and the Work Capacity Test (Pack Test). The job often involves long hours in harsh conditions but provides valuable experience for advancing in wildland firefighting.

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Type 2 Wildland Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Type 2 Wildland Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,489 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Oscoda, MI

$21.14/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 292 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Job Corps graduates of fire certified programs are encouraged to apply
This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew.

Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
GW-03: Applicants must have minimum six (6) months experience of any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter position, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation; OR successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience required for a GW-03.
Examples of General Experience includes: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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