15 of the Best Types of Firefighter Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Firefighter jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Firefighter Jobs

• Freelance Firefighter

  Salary range: $50,500 - $128,500

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Executive Firefighter

  Salary range: $58,000 - $120,500

  The different types of executive jobs include upper- and senior-level management as well as the C-suite—the highest levels of senior management. The C-suite executives have the word “chief” at the beginning of their titles: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are the most common. Companies with a heavy reliance on information technology may also have a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Other executive jobs include vice president and director of various departments.

• Entry Level Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  To become an entry-level firefighter, you need to have numerous skills and qualifications. First, you need to complete high school or get a GED certificate. In many jurisdictions, you must also complete EMT certification before enrolling in the fire academy. To enter the academy, you must pass written and physical tests. The academy is similar to other apprenticeship programs, and you receive a mix of classroom study and practical training. In addition to formal training, you need to have excellent physical strength and stamina, a desire to work under intense pressure in highly dangerous situations, and impeccable verbal communication skills.

• Summer Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  The qualifications and skills that you need to work as a summer firefighter include training in firefighting and safety techniques and the physical ability to carry firefighting equipment and withstand hazardous conditions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that firefighting job applicants have to complete a physical test that involves hauling a 45-pound pack for three miles. Management and specialist positions require at least an associate degree in forestry or fire science. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) offers advanced training for firefighters, but you can also complete firefighter training as part of a normal, year-round department.

• Full Time Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  Full-time employment hours are generally determined by the employer. There is no single universal definition; however, various laws and policies govern different types of eligibility and statuses. For example, the Fair Labor Standards Act does not define full-time employment but does require overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek for non-exempt employees. The Affordable Care Act, in determining Applicable Large Employers, defines full-time employees as those working an average of at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours a month. The H-1B Visa Program defines full-time as 40 hours per week, normally, and in no event would less than 35 hours per week be considered to be full-time employment. In practice, full-time employment is typically between 32 and 40 hours per week.

• Per Diem Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Independent Contractor Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  You find Independent Contractors in many different industries, so the path to becoming one varies significantly. In general, you must have several years of experience in the field and have a track record of success in your industry. You also must pursue the kind of work that can be done on a consultant or contract basis. You may possess particular skills or expertise that a company needs temporarily, such as an IT Consultant, or provide a service that is required intermittently, like a Freelance Writer. Many Independent Contractors transition to becoming self-employed to have a more flexible schedule and the ability to choose their clients.

• On Call Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  When most people think of on-call jobs, medical professionals and first responders typically come to mind. For first responders, like firefighters and EMTs, on-call usually means you are sleeping at the station, ready to wake up and respond to a call quickly. Medical workers, on the other hand, may work a more traditional on-call schedule. While some nurses and doctors may sleep at the hospital, especially during their residency, you may also have an on-call shift where you can leave and go home, potentially never actually coming back. If you want a career as a nurse or doctor but do not like this unpredictability, rest assured that the chance of having on-call shifts decreases as you gain seniority and advanced qualifications. Repair workers like electricians may also work on-call. You may occasionally find on-call jobs in retail or customer service sectors, but this is not as common.

• Temporary Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Union Firefighter

  Salary range: $45,500 - $69,000

  For those who work for unions, some of the specific jobs include researchers, organizers, administrators, lawyers, communications workers, and clerical staff. Your duties include entering workplaces to speak with workers and provide them encouragement and support if they are interested in joining a specific union, or to negotiate with employers for better working conditions, pay, or benefits for union members. There are numerous types of unions, including health care, public sector, construction, writing, and service workers unions, and they represent a variety of professions, such as nurses, journalists, manufacturers, construction workers, municipal workers, and hotel workers, to name only a few.

• Manager Firefighter

  Salary range: $50,000 - $69,000

  Managers supervise a team of people; they establish goals, assign tasks, and measure progress. The specific responsibilities of someone in a management position will vary based on the company and industry they work in, but their primary responsibilities remain largely the same. Managers monitor the accomplishments of their staff, focusing on the overall goals of the department. They work with Human Resources to determine and address staffing needs, coordinate and delegate responsibilities, check employee performance, and provide additional training and direction when necessary.

• Junior Firefighter

  Salary range: $39,500 - $58,000

  Junior Firefighter is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Firefighter jobs pay between $39,500 (25th percentile) and $58,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Junior Firefighter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Firefighter Trainee

  Salary range: $32,000 - $50,500

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Apprentice Firefighter

  Salary range: $34,000 - $47,500

  Apprentice Firefighter is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Apprentice Firefighter jobs pay between $34,000 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Apprentice Firefighter job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Internship Firefighter

  Salary range: $30,000 - $40,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.