Many fire departments across the country rely on flexible staffing models that include both full-time personnel and part-time responders. Particularly in smaller towns and growing suburbs, part-time firefighters play a vital role in strengthening local response capabilities while balancing other professional or personal commitments.
If you want to become a part-time firefighter, there is a specific process you will need to follow in order to meet the certification, fitness, and hiring standards set by your local department.
In the sections below, we will walk through everything you need to know to qualify for part-time firefighter roles. Additionally, we will explore how this position differs from the volunteer and full-time firefighting roles, and explain how becoming a part-time firefighter can be a rewarding and strategic way to serve your community.
An Overview of the Firefighter’s Responsibilities
A firefighter is a trained emergency service professional who responds to active fire incidents, but also provides assistance and support in medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and other public safety threats. It is a role that involves intentionally moving toward danger rather than retreating from it, often in moments of chaos, urgency, and danger.
As frontline responders that communities rely on in their most vulnerable moments, firefighters are expected to act decisively in high-risk and unpredictable settings and environments. Their role demands the ability to remain focused under stress and to be capable of suppressing fires, assisting injured individuals, and performing rescue operations under pressure.
Given the physical intensity and emotional demands of the job, being a firefighter requires exceptional physical condition to operate in full gear under extreme conditions, and unwavering mental stability to make sound decisions in rapidly evolving situations.
Furthermore, due to the collaborative nature of emergency response, firefighters also operate as part of tightly coordinated team operations, which means clear communication and mutual trust are also necessary qualities for ensuring safety and effectiveness in the field.
As a result of the widespread need for scalable emergency response, firefighters across the country operate under municipal, county, or state departments and serve in a variety of staffing models, including full-time, part-time, and volunteer arrangements.
Full-Time Firefighter vs Part-Time Firefighter
While both full-time and part-time firefighters undergo similar training and are held to the same operational standards, the structure of their employment differs in key ways.
Full-time firefighters typically work long rotating shifts and are assigned a fixed schedule that ensures round-the-clock coverage. They receive full benefits, higher base salaries, and often have access to promotional tracks, union representation, and retirement plans.
Part-time firefighters, on the other hand, work scheduled shifts or respond on a flexible, on-call basis. These positions are compensated hourly, and while they may not include full-time benefits, they still carry the same level of responsibility during emergency responses.
As for their work assignments, the primary role of part-time firefighters is to support full-time crews during peak call times, fill staffing gaps, or serve rural and suburban departments that do not operate around-the-clock stations.
Volunteer Firefighter vs Part-Time Firefighter
While these two roles often cause confusion due to their similar involvement in emergency response, in practice, their employment structures and the responsibilities they involve are distinct.
The first and most visible difference between the roles is compensation. Volunteer firefighters typically serve without pay and offer their time as a community service while balancing their duties alongside unrelated full-time careers.
Furthermore, while volunteer departments require training and gradually assign responsibilities to new members over time, volunteers are generally not expected to meet the same level of preparedness as part-time firefighters.
In contrast, part-time firefighters are compensated for their time and may be scheduled for regular shifts or placed on call. What’s more, fire departments generally require part-time personnel to meet stricter training, availability, and certification standards than volunteers, particularly in jurisdictions where part-time responders operate alongside full-time crews.
To sum it all up, while both these roles serve the community and help pave the path to a full-time role, part-time firefighting is generally considered a stronger route for individuals seeking long-term careers in fire service.
Eligibility Requirements for Becoming a Part-Time Firefighter
Having explored the responsibilities of being a firefighter and clarified the differences between full-time and part-time roles, we can now shift our focus to qualifications and see what it takes to be able to apply for a part-time firefighter position.
While different fire departments across the country follow their own hiring procedures, and the specifics can vary from state to state or county to county, generally, all departments expect candidates to meet the following baseline requirements:
Age, Education & Legal Status
Individuals interested in becoming part-time firefighters must be 18 years or older, hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and possess legal work authorization in the US. If they don’t meet one of these minimum conditions, they will be removed from consideration early in the process.
Certifications & Credentials
While a Firefighter II certification is not a mandatory requirement for part-time roles, candidates who want to become part-time firefighters need a Firefighter I certification to be considered. In addition, most departments also require a valid driver’s license for vehicle operation and a state-recognized EMT-Basic credential to respond to medical emergencies.
These requirements help verify the candidate’s operational readiness and make sure they are qualified to serve safely in dynamic emergency scenarios.
Medical Requirements and Fitness
As we’ve already established, part-time firefighting is physically strenuous, so applicants interested in this role are expected to demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure. One of the most commonly used benchmarks to assess fitness is passing the nationally recognized CPAT physical ability test that simulates real-world fireground tasks.
However, many departments may also require additional screenings, such as a medical exam, a psychological evaluation, and a drug screening, to confirm candidates’ suitability for duty.
Background and Character Criteria
Given that firefighters operate in high-stakes situations and carry substantial public responsibility, strong character, integrity, and the ability to function under stressful conditions are a must for working in a fire suppression unit.
To ensure these qualities are present, some hiring departments may conduct in-depth background screening, including criminal history checks, driving record reviews, and personal reference evaluations.
Local Requirements and Department Preferences
Beyond meeting the key eligibility standards, applicants who want to become part-time firefighters may also need to meet additional selection criteria set by the hiring departments, designed to support each department’s unique operational needs.
These requirements can vary from one department to another and may include residency within a certain response area, availability for specific shifts, or additional skills such as language proficiency, depending on what the hiring department needs to operate effectively.
Becoming a Part-Time Firefighter: Qualifications and Training
Now that we understand what the role entails and have outlined the eligibility requirements for getting hired, we can turn our attention to the actual process of becoming a part-time firefighter and examine the steps it typically includes from start to finish.
Earn Your Firefighter I Certification
To start the process of becoming a part-time firefighter, candidates must first successfully complete the Firefighter I certification. This is the foundational credential recognized by most state and local fire departments, which ensures that new recruits have the essential skills for fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous material awareness.
Firefighter I training is typically offered through state-accredited fire academies, community colleges, and regional training centers affiliated with local fire departments. The program covers essential firefighting skills such as fire behavior, hose handling, ventilation techniques, ladder operations, and basic rescue.
Depending on the state and provider, the course may take several weeks or months to complete and often includes both classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises.
Complete Emergency Medical Training
In addition to Firefighter I, most part-time firefighter roles require candidates to be certified as EMTs. This requirement reflects the reality that the majority of fire service calls are medical in nature, and departments need personnel who are trained to provide immediate care on scene.
EMT training is widely available through technical colleges, community colleges, and local EMS agencies. To qualify for enrollment, candidates generally need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and, in some cases, a clean background check.
The EMT Basic course typically consists of 120 to 150 hours of instruction, covering topics such as patient assessment, trauma care, airway management, and CPR. Most programs culminate in a national or state certification exam, which you must pass to become a licensed EMT.
Pass the CPAT and Medical Evaluations
After completing both Firefighter I and EMT training, aspiring part-time firefighters would still need to demonstrate that they meet the physical and medical standards required to perform the job safely and effectively.
As we mentioned earlier, most departments use the CPAT as the standard measure for physical readiness, so passing it is a critical part of the hiring process.
The CPAT is a timed, eight-event obstacle course that simulates tasks commonly faced in firefighting, such as stair climbing, hose dragging, ladder raises, equipment carries, forcible entry, search navigation, rescue dragging, and ceiling breaches. To pass, candidates must complete the course in under 10 minutes and 20 seconds without assistance or disqualification.
Apply to Part-Time Firefighter Positions
After completing all the necessary certifications and passing the required evaluations to demonstrate readiness for emergency response, prepared candidates can start applying for part-time firefighter positions in their area.
At this stage, it’s important to note that part-time firefighter openings are typically posted on local fire department websites, municipal job boards, and state civil service portals. Some departments may also advertise opportunities through statewide firefighter associations or regional training centers.
To streamline your search and increase your chances of meeting all qualifications, you want to make sure you read each listing carefully, as some postings may include department-specific requirements like minimum call availability, shift flexibility, or residency within a certain radius.
Firefighter Qualifications: State-by-State Differences
Earlier, we mentioned that hiring procedures and the requirements for new firefighters can vary by state and department, and we’d like to use this opportunity to expand on that point and clarify how local regulations can affect your path to becoming a part-time firefighter.
Namely, the core qualifications like age, legal status, and physical fitness are generally consistent across the country, other details, such as the required certifications, testing formats, or accepted training providers, can differ significantly depending on where you apply.
For example, some states mandate completion of both Firefighter I and Firefighter II to be considered for part-time roles, while others may only require Firefighter I if EMT certification is also present.
Additionally, certain states manage hiring through civil service systems, which means you may need to pass state-run firefighter exams or register with a centralized applicant pool. Others give more discretion to local departments, allowing them to set unique standards for call volume availability, probation terms, or even preferred qualifications like bilingual proficiency.
For that reason, we suggest you consult your state’s fire marshal’s office or your local department’s recruitment page to ensure you meet the exact requirements in your area before applying.
After Getting Hired: Probationary Period & Department Integration
Having already discussed the core qualifications as well as the application process to becoming a part-time firefighter, we thought it’d be a good idea to also outline the typical experience of new firefighters who have just joined the department, as well as the potential development paths that they can pursue.
Start as a Probationary Firefighter
Neither full-time nor part-time firefighters are given full operational responsibilities immediately after joining the department. To ensure their safe integration, all new recruits begin their service in a probationary role designed to help them adjust to the department’s expectations, internal procedures, and team dynamics.
In most departments, this probationary period typically lasts between six months and one year, and may include additional hands-on training, response simulations, and regular assessments.
Even though part-time firefighters may be assigned lighter or supervised duties at first, they are expected to demonstrate the same level of professionalism and preparedness as full-time staff.
Transition Into Active Part-Time Service
Once the probationary period is successfully completed, part-time firefighters are gradually transitioned into full operational roles based on their performance, availability, and department needs.
At this stage, they may begin responding independently to emergency calls, participate in more complex incident scenes, and contribute to scheduled station duties alongside full-time crews.
While their shift schedules may remain limited compared to full-time staff, the part-time firefighters who are fully integrated into the department’s operational structure are expected to uphold the same standards of conduct, safety, and readiness in every response scenario.
Advancing From Part-Time to a Full-Time Firefighter
Many individuals view the part-time firefighter position as a chance to serve their community, but also a potential pathway toward becoming a full-time career firefighter.
While each department has its own way of handling internal promotion, working in a part-time role can help candidates obtain valuable field experience, insight into department protocols, and a chance to build strong professional relationships.
In many cases, departments give preference to internal applicants when full-time openings arise. Having already gone through probation, earned certifications, and demonstrated their reliability in real emergency scenarios, part-time firefighters may be better positioned than external candidates.
Why Become a Part-Time Firefighter
Working as a firefighter is not for everyone. The role is physically demanding, mentally intense, and requires risking your life for people you’ve never even met before. However, at the same time, it offers the chance to make a real impact by protecting human lives and supporting your community.
And while part-time positions may seem limited compared to full-time careers, they still offer valuable opportunities for service, skill-building, and professional growth.
Make a Meaningful Impact in Your Community
Part-time firefighters undoubtedly play an essential role in keeping communities safe, especially in areas where full-time coverage is limited or unavailable. Whether responding to emergency calls, assisting during natural disasters, or providing fire prevention education, their presence can make a direct difference in people’s lives.
By stepping into this role, you have the chance to contribute to the public good while building trust with neighbors and local institutions. Many part-time firefighters report a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that their work supports the well-being of the people around them in times of crisis and need.
Gain Professional Experience That Can Lead to Full-Time Roles
For those considering a long-term career in fire service, starting out as a part-time firefighter can be a strategic entry point.
While the role may come with fewer hours, it can provide valuable hands-on experience that can strengthen future applications and help build practical skills, develop situational awareness, and adapt to the demands of emergency response in real-world settings.
In addition to responding to calls, part-time firefighters also gain exposure to departmental procedures, equipment use, and teamwork under pressure, all of which are critical for advancing into full-time roles.
Final Words
In summary, becoming a part-time firefighter is a commitment that blends personal sacrifice with meaningful service. While the steps we discussed above are the formal prerequisites for joining a department, the truth is, becoming a firefighter requires strength, discipline, and a genuine desire to protect others.
For those willing to step up, the experience can be both deeply rewarding and professionally valuable. Whether you choose to serve your community long-term in a part-time capacity or use it as a stepping stone toward a full-time role in fire service, the skills and impact you gain will always stay with you.
FAQs
Can being a firefighter be a part-time job?
Yes, many fire departments hire part‑time or paid‑on‑call firefighters who work fewer hours than full‑time personnel but respond to the same types of emergencies. These roles still require meeting training, certification, and fitness standards, but allow individuals to serve their community while maintaining other commitments.
What is the difference between a volunteer and a part-time firefighter?
While neither of these roles is a full-time job, a volunteer firefighter typically serves without pay and offers their time to support the community. A part‑time firefighter, on the other hand, is compensated for shifts or calls and is held to stricter availability and training requirements.
Ultimately, both roles serve the community, but the part‑time role functions as a formal employment position with predictable duties.
How much do part-time firefighters make?
The salary of part-time firefighters in the US can vary widely depending on location, hours worked, and certifications held. According to self-reported job posting data, on average, US part‑time firefighters earn around $28–$30 per hour, which can translate to approximately $45,500 to $69,000 annually for those working frequent shifts. (ZipRecruiter)
Can I transition to a full-time firefighter from a part-time role?
Yes, serving as a part-time firefighter can serve as a strong foundation for moving into a full-time firefighter position. Many fire departments prefer internal candidates who’ve demonstrated skills, certifications, and reliability on the job.
With continued training, consistent performance, and the right opportunities, a part-time role can lead to full-time employment in the fire service.