Hotshot firefighters are an elite group of wildland firefighters who are trained and equipped to work in the most rugged terrain and difficult firefighting conditions. Hotshots are the most elite wildland firefighters, and their specialized training and experience allow them to work in the most difficult conditions and on the most dangerous fires. They are highly skilled in the use of specialized equipment, and they are often the first responders on the scene of a wildfire. Hotshots are also required to have a high level of fitness and physical endurance, and they are expected to be able to work long hours in difficult conditions.
Hotshot firefighters are paid an hourly wage, and they also receive additional compensation for overtime. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for hotshot firefighters was $17.34 in 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned an hourly wage of $11.56, while the highest 10 percent earned an hourly wage of $26.90. Hotshot firefighters are not eligible for overtime pay, so their hourly wage is the same for all hours worked. The average salary for a hotshot firefighter is about $38,000 per year.
What Does a Hotshot Firefighter Do?
Hotshot firefighters are responsible for suppressing and extinguishing wildland fires. They are trained to work in extreme weather conditions, steep terrain, and difficult operating conditions. They are also responsible for controlling and containing wildfires, as well as setting up fire lines and backburn plans. Hotshot firefighters also monitor and assess the progress of a fire, and they are involved in the clean-up of a fire site. Hotshot firefighters are also trained to use specialized equipment, such as fire pumps, chain saws, and fire shelters.
Where Do Hotshot Firefighters Work?
Hotshot firefighters typically work for the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or other federal or state firefighting agencies. They can also be hired by private companies or individuals to assist in wildfire suppression. Hotshot firefighters are typically assigned to a particular geographic area and are required to respond to fires in that area. Hotshots also travel to other areas in response to large-scale fires.
What Is the Job Outlook for Hotshot Firefighters?
The job outlook for hotshot firefighters is positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that employment of wildland firefighters is expected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an increased need for wildland firefighting as climate change and drought increases the risk of more frequent and more intense wildfires.
How Can I Become a Hotshot Firefighter?
To become a hotshot firefighter, you must first meet the minimum qualifications set by the employing agency. The minimum qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license. You must also have completed a basic wildland firefighting course or have equivalent experience. After meeting the minimum qualifications, you must apply for a position with the employing agency, and successful candidates will be required to complete a physical fitness test and a background check.
Once you have been hired, you must complete a rigorous training program. The training program typically includes courses in fire behavior, wildland firefighting tactics, physical fitness, and wilderness survival skills. Once you have completed the training program, you become a certified hotshot firefighter and can begin working on wildland firefighting assignments.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Hotshot Firefighter?
Hotshot firefighters receive a number of benefits, including competitive pay, housing and travel expenses, and health insurance. Hotshots also receive specialized training and experience that can be beneficial in other areas of firefighting, such as municipal firefighting. Hotshots also have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of locations throughout the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hotshot firefighter make?
The median hourly wage for hotshot firefighters was $17.34 in 2018. The average salary for a hotshot firefighter is about $38,000 per year.
What does a hotshot firefighter do?
Hotshot firefighters are responsible for suppressing and extinguishing wildland fires. They are trained to work in extreme weather conditions, steep terrain, and difficult operating conditions. They are also responsible for controlling and containing wildfires, as well as setting up fire lines and backburn plans.
Where do hotshot firefighters work?
Hotshot firefighters typically work for the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, or other federal or state firefighting agencies.
What is the job outlook for hotshot firefighters?
The job outlook for hotshot firefighters is positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that employment of wildland firefighters is expected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028.
How can I become a hotshot firefighter?
To become a hotshot firefighter, you must first meet the minimum qualifications set by the employing agency. After meeting the minimum qualifications, you must apply for a position with the employing agency, and successful candidates will be required to complete a physical fitness test and a background check.
What are the benefits of being a hotshot firefighter?
Hotshot firefighters receive a number of benefits, including competitive pay, housing and travel expenses, and health insurance. Hotshots also receive specialized training and experience that can be beneficial in other areas of firefighting.
Do hotshot firefighters get overtime pay?
Hotshot firefighters are not eligible for overtime pay, so their hourly wage is the same for all hours worked.
What type of equipment do hotshot firefighters use?
Hotshot firefighters are trained to use specialized equipment, such as fire pumps, chain saws, and fire shelters.
Are hotshot firefighters required to travel?
Hotshots are typically assigned to a particular geographic area and are required to respond to fires in that area. Hotshots also travel to other areas in response to large-scale fires.
What type of physical fitness is required of a hotshot firefighter?
Hotshot firefighters are required to have a high level of fitness and physical endurance, and they are expected to be able to work long hours in difficult conditions.
Do hotshot firefighters receive health insurance benefits?
Yes, hotshot firefighters receive health insurance benefits.
What is the minimum training required to be a hotshot firefighter?
The minimum qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license. You must also have completed a basic wildland firefighting course or have equivalent experience.
Does being a hotshot firefighter require any special skills or abilities?
Yes, hotshot firefighters are highly skilled in the use of specialized equipment, and they are often the first responders on the scene of a wildfire. Hotshots are also required to have a high level of fitness and physical endurance.