How much money to wildland firefighters make?

I've been thinking about getting a job as a wildland firefighter next summer. I already know how to get the training I need, but I was wondering what the pay is like. I'm interested in firefighting because it would be a new experience, but I'm a college student, and I could certainly use some money.

How much money to wildland firefighters make?
Look on the web for local wildland firefighting companies that are in your local. You can also talk to someone from the department of forestry who deals with firefighting. Alot of times the companies have to be listed on a contract with the state.





You can get on these companies sometimes with no experience and they will teach you. however if you go in with exp. then so much the better.. How to get it can sometimes be a problem.


The state forestry guy might be able to help you by letting you know where classes are held. Also, if you have a state fire college or fire academy, the instructors there could give advice where to turn for the courses.. MAKE SURE however that the course is good for the contract fire departments and not just for local departments.


There is a group called NWCG, somewhere on their website lists the classes that you need for various positions AND sometimes where classes can be taken.. MOST contractors need NWCG certified classes to work for em.





As far as money, it depends.. some years you might make 30 or even 40K with experience, other times, you can barely pay your bills during fire season, and alot of them have part time jobs that they work at until they get called up.
Reply:Go for it. I'm from Hawaii and I flew out to Oregon to fight fire for about two and half months last summer and I made about seven grand. It's an amazing experience and worth it even for coming from Hawaii! Report Abuse


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