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Wildfire Fighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildfire Fighter information

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$20

$41

$64

How much do wildfire fighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wildfire fighter in the United States is $41.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $45.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildfire fighter?

Wildfire fighters are trained professionals who work to suppress and control wildfires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Their duties include creating firebreaks, using specialized equipment to fight fires, and ensuring public safety during fire emergencies. They often work in challenging conditions, such as extreme heat, rugged terrain, and smoky environments. Wildfire fighters may be employed by government agencies or private organizations and typically receive specialized training in fire behavior, safety, and emergency response techniques.

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

To thrive as a Wildfire Fighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of formal wildfire training such as S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with specialized firefighting equipment, GPS navigation, and chainsaw operation is typically required, along with certifications like Red Card (Incident Qualification Card). Teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for effectively handling high-stress, unpredictable environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring personal safety, protecting public lands, and successfully containing wildfires under challenging conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by wildfire fighters during a typical fire season?

Wildfire fighters often face physically demanding and unpredictable work conditions, including long hours, rugged terrain, extreme heat, and exposure to smoke. They must be prepared for rapidly changing fire behavior and weather conditions, which require quick decision-making and adaptability. Additionally, working as part of a closely coordinated team is essential for safety and effectiveness, and constant communication is necessary to manage risks and achieve operational goals. Mental resilience is also important, as the work can be stressful and emotionally taxing, especially during large-scale or prolonged fire events.

What is the difference between Wildfire Fighter vs Firefighter?

AspectWildfire FighterFirefighter
CertificationsWildfire suppression training, basic firefighting certificationsFirefighter certification, EMT or paramedic license often required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote wildfire areas, often seasonalIndoor and outdoor, urban and rural fire stations
Employer & IndustryForest services, wildfire agencies, conservation organizationsMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Wildfire Fighters primarily focus on combating wildfires in outdoor, often remote environments, requiring specialized wildfire suppression skills. Firefighters work in urban and rural settings, responding to various emergencies including fires, medical incidents, and rescues. While both roles require firefighting certifications, Wildfire Fighters often have additional wildfire-specific training. The roles differ mainly in work environment and scope, but share core firefighting skills and certifications.

Can you make a career out of wildfire fighting?

Wildfire fighting is a viable career that involves working for government agencies, firefighting organizations, or private contractors. It requires physical fitness, specialized training, certifications such as S-130 and S-190, and often involves seasonal or long-term employment in challenging outdoor environments.

Do wildfire fighters make good money?

Wildfire fighters' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and employer, but they typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour for seasonal or entry-level positions. More experienced or specialized firefighters, such as those with certifications or in leadership roles, can earn higher wages and benefits. The job often involves physically demanding work in challenging environments and may include overtime pay during peak fire seasons.

How do I get a job fighting wildfires?

To become a wildfire fighter, you typically need to meet age and physical fitness requirements, complete relevant training such as the Basic Wildland Firefighter Course, and obtain certifications like the S-130/S-190 fire training. Experience working outdoors and familiarity with firefighting tools and safety protocols are also important, and employment often involves seasonal or temporary positions with fire agencies or contractors.

Is it hard to get into wildfire fighting?

Wildfire fighting is a physically demanding job that often requires prior experience, physical fitness, and certifications such as Basic Wildland Firefighter training. Entry can be competitive, and candidates typically need to pass background checks and medical exams; seasonal work is common, and readiness for challenging conditions is essential.
More about Wildfire Fighter jobs

What states have the most Wildfire Fighter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildfire Fighter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wildfire Fighter jobs?

For Wildfire Fighter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wildfire Fighter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,631 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Supervisory Wildland Fire Fighter (Fire Engine Operator)

Bend, OR • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
Serves as first line supervisor on a High Complexity Fire Engine Module. The primary purpose of the position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to provide leadership for a crew performing such work.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for Regional contacts.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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-06) in the Federal Service. Examples of Specialized Experience are: Evaluated initial fire situations to determine suppression method to use, hose lays, deployment of crew, point of initial attack, type of tools to use, and application of water; Communicated with dispatcher and superiors on the progress on fire situation requesting additional resources when applicable; Demonstrated safety practices relative to all-hazard incident management involving crews, resources, and equipment; Served as a working leader on a wildland fire engine; Directing others and provided leadership in wildland fire operations including prescribed fire.
For the GW-08: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07) in the Federal Service. Examples of Specialized Experience are: Operated and maintained pump engine and specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations; Assisted with search and rescue incidents, victim recoveries, automobile accidents, and hazardous materials incidents during local responses involving multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency co-operators; Served as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland and/or urban interface and all-hazard incidents; Directed project work in support of ecosystem management such as prescribed fire, including development of burn plans.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Engine Boss (ENGB) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4).
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified as (HIGH) Complexity under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
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.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
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.
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:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER