Probationary Firefighter

About This Role

The FDNY is hiring Probationary Firefighters to join the largest fire department in the United States. With over 11,000 uniformed firefighters and 218 firehouses across five boroughs, the FDNY responds to more than 2 million calls per year — from high-rise fires in Manhattan to residential emergencies in Staten Island.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Probationary Firefighter
• Company: New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
• Location: New York City (all five boroughs)
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level
• Salary Range: $22–$36/hr (increases over 5.5-year progression)
• Posted Date: 2026-06-01
• Application Deadline: 2026-07-01

Role Context

Probationary Firefighters spend 18 weeks at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island. Training covers structural firefighting, high-rise operations, haz-mat awareness, and EMT certification. Upon graduation, probies are assigned to engine or ladder companies citywide on a rotating 9-hour day/15-hour night shift schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Suppress structural fires in residential, commercial, and high-rise buildings
• Perform forcible entry, ventilation, and victim search and rescue operations
• Deliver pre-hospital emergency medical care at the EMT level
• Operate FDNY apparatus including engines, tower ladders, and rescue companies
• Conduct fire prevention inspections and community education activities
• Maintain firehouse readiness through equipment checks and apparatus upkeep

Requirements & Skills

• NYC residency required for at least one year prior to appointment
• Pass FDNY Written Exam (Exam #2000 or open competitive list)
• Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
• High school diploma or GED; 30 college credits preferred but not required
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Pass medical, psychological, and background investigations

Benefits & Work Conditions

• Starting salary approximately $45,000 rising to $100,000+ after 5.5 years
• NYC defined benefit pension after 20 years of service
• Full health and dental coverage through the city
• Paid academy training from day one
• Strong union representation through the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA)

Who Should Apply

New Yorkers with a drive to serve their communities in a physically demanding, team-first career. FDNY actively recruits women and underrepresented groups through its recruitment and diversity programs. If you want to work in the most operationally varied fire department in the world, the FDNY offers an unmatched career.

About the Company

The FDNY is the largest fire department in the United States and one of the busiest in the world. It operates engine companies, ladder companies, rescue companies, and specialized units for haz-mat, marine, and collapse rescue across New York City's five boroughs.

How to Apply

Monitor nyc.gov/fdny for open exam announcements. Candidates must file for the open competitive exam, pass the written test, and then complete CPAT, medical, psychological, and background steps before receiving an academy appointment.