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Federal & state fire crews
Wildland Firefighter
Seasonal, physically extreme, and the overtime is the entire paycheck.
Typical pay
$35k-$75k with overtime
How you get in
Fire training courses plus a physical fitness test
Outlook
Strong; fire seasons are lengthening and crews are short
Wildland firefighters suppress and manage forest and range fires. Base pay is low and overtime plus hazard pay is what makes the season worth it, and the work is among the most physically demanding in public service.
A day in the life
- 5:30aBriefing on fire behavior, weather and assignments
- 7:00aHike in with 45 pounds of gear
- 9:00aCut line with hand tools and chainsaws
- 1:00pEat standing up, keep working
- 6:00pMop up and secure the line
- 9:00pBack to camp — 16-hour shifts are routine
How to get in
Seasonal crew member
Duration
2-8 weeks of training
Cost
$0-$500
Credential
Red Card (Incident Qualification Card)
- Apply through USAJOBS or state agencies in the winter for summer seasons
- Complete basic wildland fire training courses (S-130, S-190)
- Pass the arduous pack test — three miles with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes
- Work a season on an engine, hand crew or hotshot crew
Hotshot and specialized crews
Duration
1-3 seasons
Cost
$0
Credential
Red Card plus advanced qualifications
- Work an initial season to prove fitness and reliability
- Apply to an interagency hotshot crew — the elite hand crew tier
- Or pursue smokejumper or helitack qualification
- Higher pay, more assignments and far more competitive selection
Seasonal into permanent
Duration
3-6 seasons
Cost
$0-$40,000
Credential
Red Card, qualifications and often a degree
- Build seasons and fire qualifications steadily
- Learn the federal hiring system thoroughly
- Apply for permanent fire, fuels or land management positions
- Permanent federal employment brings benefits and a pension
What people love
- · Entry with no degree at 18
- · Overtime and hazard pay can double base earnings
- · Extraordinary crew bonds
- · Path into permanent federal fire and land management careers
What wears people down
- · Base pay alone is genuinely low
- · Seasonal — most positions end in the fall
- · Extreme physical demands and smoke exposure
- · Weeks away from home during assignments