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How much do wildland firefighter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a wildland firefighter?

As a wildland firefighter, you work with crews to put out wildfires and forest fires all around the country—mostly in the west. You can find wildland firefighter jobs with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A career as a wildland firefighter can be dangerous, since your job duties involve going into the wild and fighting raging fires, but most crews successfully fight fires without incident.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildland firefighter?

To thrive as a Wildland Firefighter, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of basic firefighting training such as S-130/S-190 courses. Familiarity with tools like chainsaws, pumps, GPS devices, and radio communication systems is commonly required, along with certifications like Red Card qualification. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and resilience under pressure set candidates apart in this demanding role. These skills ensure effective response to wildfires, personal safety, and the protection of communities and natural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by wildland firefighters during fire season?

Wildland firefighters often contend with physically demanding work, unpredictable weather conditions, and long hours during peak fire season. The job frequently requires working in remote locations with limited access to amenities and support, as well as adapting to rapidly changing fire behavior. Additionally, effective teamwork and communication are critical, as crews must coordinate closely for safety and efficiency while navigating rugged terrain and hazardous situations.

What is the difference between Wildland Firefighter vs Forest Firefighter?

AspectWildland FirefighterForest Firefighter
CertificationsFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First AidFirefighter 1 & 2, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentForests, wildlands, national parksForests, national parks, rural areas
Employer & IndustryFederal, state agencies, firefighting crewsGovernment agencies, forestry services

Wildland Firefighters and Forest Firefighters often share similar certifications and work environments, focusing on combating fires in natural, wooded areas. The main difference lies in terminology and regional usage, with 'Wildland Firefighter' being more common in federal agencies and 'Forest Firefighter' often used locally. Both roles are vital for protecting natural resources and communities from wildfire threats.

How long does it take to be a wildland firefighter?

Becoming a wildland firefighter typically involves completing a basic training program that lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, followed by on-the-job experience and additional certifications such as S-130 and S-190. The total time to become fully qualified can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on prior experience and training schedules.

Is being a wildland firefighter worth it?

Wildland firefighters perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments, often during fire seasons, and require training and certification such as S-130 and S-190. The job offers a sense of purpose and teamwork but involves risks, irregular hours, and seasonal employment, which should be considered when evaluating its worth.

Is wildland firefighting hard to get into?

Wildland firefighting is a competitive field that often requires physical fitness, relevant training, and certifications such as S-130 and S-190. Entry can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the work, seasonal schedules, and the need for prior experience or connections in the industry.
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Wildland Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wildland Firefighter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,489 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain)

Department of the Interior

Taft, CA • On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 854 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain)

As a Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain) your duties will include but are not limited to the following:

  • Directs the operation of a wildland fire suppression, monitoring, and post-fire activities.
  • Starts pump engine, primes pump, adjusts engine speed and pump valves, lays hose, uses appropriate nozzle.
  • Conducts and participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques.
  • May serve as Initial Attack Incident Commander on wildland fires and all risk incidents.
  • Gather and consider information such as weather, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior to respond to wildland fire incidents.

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