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Union Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Firefighter Lateral Transfer

Superior, WI ยท On-site

$22.41 - $25.32/hr

A Lateral Transfer Firefighter will be treated as a newly hired firefighter for all other sections of the union contract, including seniority and longevity pay. Lateral Transfer Applicants will be ...

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Union Firefighter information

See salary details

$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do union firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for union 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 is a union firefighter?

Union firefighters are professional firefighters who are members of a labor union, such as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). These unions represent their members in negotiations for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and safety standards. Union firefighters also benefit from legal representation, training opportunities, and collective bargaining power. Their unions advocate for workplace safety and support their members in disciplinary actions or disputes with employers.

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

Union Firefighters need strong physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and EMT or paramedic credentials. They regularly use firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, rescue tools, and incident reporting systems. Teamwork, composure under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure firefighters can respond quickly and safely to emergencies, protect lives and property, and work cohesively within their department.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by union firefighters compared to non-union counterparts?

Union firefighters often benefit from collective bargaining agreements that provide job security, standardized pay, and clear grievance procedures. However, they may also face challenges such as adhering to strict union protocols and participating in union-related activities, which can add to their regular firefighting duties. Additionally, unionized environments can sometimes involve complex negotiations regarding shift schedules, promotions, and departmental changes, requiring firefighters to stay informed and actively engaged with union matters.

What is the difference between Union Firefighter vs Non-Union Firefighter?

AspectUnion FirefighterNon-Union Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenseFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentCollective bargaining, union representationIndividual negotiation, less formal representation
Employment BenefitsNegotiated wages, benefits, job protectionsVariable wages, benefits depend on employer
Job SecurityHigher due to union protectionsLess job security, depends on employer policies

Union Firefighters typically benefit from collective bargaining, which secures better wages, benefits, and job protections. Non-Union Firefighters may have more flexibility but often face less job security and fewer negotiated benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but union status influences employment terms significantly.

How much do union firefighters get paid?

Union firefighters' salaries vary by location and experience, but the median annual pay in many regions ranges from $45,000 to $75,000. Experienced firefighters with additional certifications can earn higher wages, and many departments offer overtime, benefits, and pension plans.

Is 25 too late to be a union firefighter?

Union firefighters typically have minimum age requirements around 18 to 21, and there is generally no upper age limit for entry. Being 25 is not considered too late to start training and pursue a career as a firefighter, provided you meet physical and medical standards and complete the necessary certifications. Many departments value experience and maturity, making age less of a barrier for entry at 25.

What cities are hiring for Union Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Union 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 Union Firefighter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Union Firefighter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Firefighter Lateral Transfer

City of Superior

Superior, WI โ€ข On-site

$22.41 - $25.32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Definition EXCITING OPPORTUNITY. Please be sure to read this posting in its entirety or you may miss important information required in the application process. A Firefighter performs general duty firefighting work in extinguishing and preventing fires, administering emergency medical services and in the maintenance of firefighting rigs and fire department quarters.

Performs related duties as required. Lateral Transfer Firefighters who are eligible for WI Firefighter II certification, and are nationally registers EMT's and/or licensed in the State of Wisconsin, may submit an application for employment at any time. At a minimum, a lateral transfer applicant need to have completed one year of paid full-time firefighting experience prior to being placed on a certified hiring list.

Upon hire, a Lateral Transfer Firefighter will be credited with their years of full-time firefighting experience for the purposes of wage placement and vacation accruals. A Lateral Transfer Firefighter will be treated as a newly hired firefighter for all other sections of the union contract, including seniority and longevity pay. Lateral Transfer Applicants will be exempt from taking the Written Examination and the Oral Examination if they are participating outside of a regular recruitment process (as outlined in the City of Superior Police & Fire Commission Rules).

Instead, one PFC member will participate in the Chief's interview of the Lateral Transfer Applicant. Superior Fire Department website link: https://www.ci.superior.wi.us/147/Fire-Department. We would love to have you join our proud department

Call for a tour. SALARY & BENEFITS Work schedule is 2,912 hours/year: Currently working 48 hours on, and then having 96 hours off. Health/Dental insurance coverage immediately on start date (for more information click on the Benefits tab).

Annual uniform allowance of $450. Paid in full on first paycheck. Annual holiday pay is approximately at least $3,000, paid in a pro-rated lump sum on first paycheck.

HazMat member pay is $550 paid out yearly in February. Wisconsin Retirement System: Employee will make contributions to their WRS benefit at 7.2% (2026 rate) of their gross wages. The City will contribute the balance of this benefit 18.5% (2026) for a total of 25.7% going into your WRS retirement

Paid Leave: Will accrue vacation, sick leave, and personal day hours for time off. Employer Paid Parental Leave. The 2026 base starting salary for a Lateral Transfer Firefighter is step 2, $68,694 ($23.59/hour)

Top step in 2026 for Firefighter is $73,731 ($25.32/hour), with possible options for an additional 2% or 4% stipend with a specialist work assignment. Entry Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Firefighter $22.41 $23.59 $24.07 $24.57 $24.94 $25.32 Firefighter Specialist 2% $24.07 $24.56 $25.06 $25.44 $25.83 Firefighter Specialist 4% $24.54 $25.04 $25.55 $25.94 $26.33 Firefighter ranges are established as follows: Entry Firefighter: 95% of Step 1 for a period for 6 months; After 6 months move to Step 1 of the Firefighter range. Step 1 - Step 2 less 2% After 6 months at Step 1, move to Step 2 Step 2 - Step 3 less 2% After 12 months at Step 2, move to Step 3 Step 3 - Step 4 less 1.5% After 12 months at Step 3, move to Step 4 Step 4 - Step 5 less 1.5% After 12 months at Step 4, move to Step 5 Step 5 - Top Step After 4 years of service as a Firefighter DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The work of this class involves the responsibility for the performance of hazardous firefighting and rescue tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion under such handicaps as smoke and trapped surroundings

Firefighters may be assigned the responsibility of removing persons from danger and administering emergency treatment to ill and injured persons. A large part of the employee's time is spent in the performance of routine duties at a fire station in cleaning, maintaining and repairing property and equipment, and in training and fire prevention activities. Work is normally performed under close supervision or within an established routine.

Assignments are given by a superior officer both in rescue and in fighting fires and in maintenance of building, grounds and fire equipment. Employment Standards TYPICAL TASKS: 1. Responds to a variety of types of emergency alarms such as, but not limited to, structure fires, car fires, wild land fires, auto accidents, industrial accidents, hazardous material incidents, EMS calls and rescue.

2. Raises and climbs ladders. 3.

Uses a variety of tools such as extinguishers, bars, axes, saws, hammers, auto extrication equipment, etc. 4. Removes persons from danger and administers emergency medical services to ill and injured persons.

5. May be required to work in hazardous conditions and inclement weather. 6.

Wears heavy protective clothing and SCBA while performing some duties. 7. Maintains and performs minor repairs of fire equipment, trucks, buildings and tools.

Reports deficiencies. 8. Does general ground maintenance such as lawn care and snow removal.

9. Conducts tours of businesses to familiarize self and prepare pre-plans. 10.

Participates in fire prevention education programs. 11. Assists in building inspections for fire prevention.

12. Trains in various fire department practices. 13.

May be required to maintain fire hydrants. 14. Does related work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: Knowledges: Working knowledge of: The street system and physical layout of the City of Superior; Emergency medical services at the level practiced by department. Some knowledge of: The Incident Command System; Modern firefighting and fire prevention practices. Abilities: Ability to: Understand and follow oral and written instructions and comply with rules and regulations of department; Drive and operate a pumper; Develop skill in firefighting and the use of firefighting equipment within a reasonable period; Act quickly and calmly in an emergency; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, employees and the general public; Become certified as a Hazardous Materials Technician.

Perform the physical requirements of the position. Requirements/Special Requirements REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of education and experience is qualifying that would provide the required knowledges and abilities. A typical way of qualifying for this position is: Equivalent to graduation from high school with additional fire department knowledge acquired through attendance at a recognized college, university or attendance at fire schools or fire seminars.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Certification Requirement: Must be Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician Basic certified at time of hire. Must maintain EMT Basic certification. Hazardous Materials Technician will be scheduled for completion according to the needs of the Department.

Skills Test Requirement: Must be Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certified. CPAT testing is held at Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN during their fall testing period. Candidates can also test at North Central Technical College in Wausau, WI which is offered every two weeks.

Background Investigation: Required to complete and receive acceptable findings from a Background Investigation Questionnaire and a Background Information Disclosure (required by sections 48.685 and 50.065 of the Wisconsin Statutes). Oath of Office Requirement: Will be required to take an oath of office. Driver License Requirement: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Residency Requirement: Must reside and maintain residency anywhere within a 45-minute response time to the corporate limits of the City of Superior within 24 months of hire. Post Job Offer Psychological Examination Requirement: Must pass a psychological exam for the position prior to hire. Post Job Offer Medical Examination Requirement: Must pass medical examination requirement for specified occupational grouping and drug screen prior to hire.

Supplemental Information APPLICATION PROCESS: An employment application must be completed on the City of Superior's website at: http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/superiorwi You must attach any copies of certifications you have to your on-line application (CPAT, Firefighter I & II and EMT Basic).