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Wildfire Firefighter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Wildfire Firefighter information

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$28.5K

$59.6K

$100K

How much do wildfire firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for wildfire 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 wildfire firefighter?

Wildfire firefighters, also known as wildland firefighters, are professionals trained to prevent, control, and suppress wildfires in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. They work in challenging environments, often using specialized equipment and techniques such as creating firebreaks, conducting controlled burns, and operating water pumps. Their responsibilities also include monitoring fire conditions, ensuring public safety, and sometimes assisting in disaster response. Wildfire firefighters may work for federal, state, or local agencies and often face physically demanding and hazardous situations. Training, physical fitness, and teamwork are essential for this career.

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

Wildfire firefighters often contend with physically demanding work, unpredictable weather, and rapidly changing fire conditions that require quick decision-making. The job can involve extended shifts, working in remote locations, and exposure to smoke and heat, which makes maintaining health and stamina crucial. Teamwork is essential, as firefighters must coordinate closely with crew members and other agencies to ensure safety and effective fire suppression. Additionally, adapting to evolving technology and techniques is important for career growth in this field.

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

To thrive as a Wildfire Firefighter, you need strong physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and typically completion of fire academy training and relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and Wildland Firefighter certifications. Familiarity with specialized equipment like fire shelters, chainsaws, and GPS systems is essential for safety and effectiveness in the field. Teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure are crucial soft skills for managing unpredictable and hazardous situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safety of both the crew and the public while effectively containing and extinguishing wildfires.

What is the difference between Wildfire Firefighter vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectWildfire FirefighterForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, wildfire suppression trainingFirefighter certification, wildfire suppression training
Work EnvironmentActive wildfire areas, remote terrainsForests, national parks, rural areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, firefighting departmentsForestry services, government agencies

Wildfire Firefighters and Forest Firefighters often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on wildfire suppression in remote or forested areas. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Wildfire Firefighter' emphasizes fighting large, uncontrolled fires in wildland areas, while 'Forest Firefighter' may refer to roles within forest management or fire prevention in forested regions. Both roles are vital in protecting natural resources and communities from fire hazards.

How do I get a job fighting wildfires?

To become a wildfire firefighter, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and training in fire suppression techniques. Many agencies require certification in first aid and CPR, and some prefer experience with outdoor or emergency work. Applying through government fire departments or agencies and completing their training programs are essential steps.

Is it hard to get into wildfire firefighting?

Wildfire firefighting 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 physical tests and background checks before being hired. Having relevant skills like teamwork, adaptability, and knowledge of fire behavior can improve chances of entry.
More about Wildfire Firefighter jobs

What cities are hiring for Wildfire Firefighter jobs?

Cities with the most Wildfire Firefighter job openings:

What states have the most Wildfire Firefighter jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Wildfire Firefighter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Wildfire Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,606 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fuels Specialist)

Sheridan, WY • On-site

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and implement prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, and smoke and wildland fire use monitoring plans.

  • Perform manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments.

  • Assist in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems, and making basic recommendations.


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position is located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The incumbents primary responsibilities of the position are preparing and implementing prescribed fire plans, fire effects monitoring plans, manual and mechanical hazardous fuels treatments, and smoke and wildland fire use monitoring plans.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION for contact information.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.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-08: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GW-07 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as examples of the following: Serving as burn boss using various methods in broadcast burning, pile burning, and under burning operations. Performing fire pre-suppression or suppression duties on a fire line controlling wildfire and using fire to accomplish fuel treatment prescriptions. Assisting in monitoring fire behavior, evaluating fire effects, identifying potential problems and making basic recommendations.
Selective Placement Factors
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirements of Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) and 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.
This position has been identified 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 secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8336 (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
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

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