What is a lateral firefighter job?

A lateral position is an opening a department reserves for firefighters already certified and working at another department. Most lateral postings ask for Firefighter I or II certification, an EMT or paramedic license, and one to three years of full-time experience. Laterals usually skip the full recruit academy for a shorter orientation and often start above the entry pay step.

How many lateral firefighter jobs are open in the United States?

90 lateral postings are open right now across 66 the United States fire departments on FireJobs. Members see the salary, closing date and application link for each.

Do lateral firefighters have to go through the academy again?

Usually not the full academy. Most departments run a shorter lateral academy or orientation covering their own procedures, equipment and district, then a probation period. Each posting states its own requirements; read it before applying.

Does lateral experience count toward pay?

Often yes. Many departments place laterals at a pay step that reflects their years of service rather than at the entry step, and some credit prior service toward vacation accrual. The posting or the department's pay schedule is the source for the exact figure.

Lateral Firefighter Jobs

90 lateral postings open at 66 departments in the U.S..

These are openings departments have marked for experienced, certified firefighters transferring from another agency. FireJobs lists a posting here when the department calls it lateral in the title or the job description. Members see the salary, the closing date and the direct application link on every one.

Departments hiring laterals

Lateral openings by state

Alabama (1)California (8)Colorado (2)Indiana (1)Kentucky (3)Michigan (3)Minnesota (1)Mississippi (2)New Mexico (6)Ohio (20)Rhode Island (1)Texas (2)Utah (6)Vermont (1)Virginia (2)Washington (26)Wisconsin (5)

Lateral hiring, explained

What is a lateral firefighter job?: A lateral position is an opening a department reserves for firefighters already certified and working at another department. Most lateral postings ask for Firefighter I or II certification, an EMT or paramedic license, and one to three years of full-time experience. Laterals usually skip the full recruit academy for a shorter orientation and often start above the entry pay step.
How many lateral firefighter jobs are open in the United States?: 90 lateral postings are open right now across 66 the United States fire departments on FireJobs. Members see the salary, closing date and application link for each.
Do lateral firefighters have to go through the academy again?: Usually not the full academy. Most departments run a shorter lateral academy or orientation covering their own procedures, equipment and district, then a probation period. Each posting states its own requirements; read it before applying.
Does lateral experience count toward pay?: Often yes. Many departments place laterals at a pay step that reflects their years of service rather than at the entry step, and some credit prior service toward vacation accrual. The posting or the department's pay schedule is the source for the exact figure.

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