BE A FIREFIGHTER

FOR THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Minimum Requirements to Apply

18+

Age Requirement

Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. (No max age limit)

Education

You must have a high school diploma, G.E.D., or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) certificate.

Background

You must have a clean record for your application to be considered.

Drivers License

Valid California driver's license.
Sworn members are required to obtain their class C, firefighter restricted license within 18 months of graduating the drill tower.

Pay & Benefits

Firefighter I

$85,315
ANNUALLY

Firefighter II

$89,784 - $118,055
ANNUALLY

Firefighter III

$100,596 - $124,549
ANNUALLY

Advanced Starting Salary

Recruits who meet work experience requirements can receive up to a maximum three-step pay increase.

  • Previous work experience as a firefighter or paramedic, or a college degree.
  • College degrees can receive the Advance Starting Salary, and can also collect the education bonus.
  • Work Experience CAN encompass Military Experience, however, duties performed must be in firefighting or paramedic-related duties to qualify.

Education Bonus for
New Hires

  • Associate's Degree (AA or AS):Recruits can receive a 1% education bonus upon Academy graduation.
  • Bonuses cannot be combined. The new hire will receive the highest applicable bonus based on their highest qualification.
  • Bachelor's Degree: (BA or BS)
    Recruits can receive a 3% education bonus upon Academy graduation.

Advanced Starting Salary

Excellent health and dental plans are available for Firefighters and eligible family members/domestic partners.

EXPLORE BENEFITS

Steps to Become A Firefighter

LAFD fire ladders extended high in the sky with smoke.
Icon of paper with check mark.

Minimum Requirements

  • 18 Years of Age
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid California Drivers License
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Online City Application

2025 Application. Open Date pending.

Pass the Fire Fighter Candidate Assessment (FCA) test. Testing available during application period (pending).

EMT & CPAT “Complete or be in process of obtaining EMT license & CPAT certification”

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Interview

The City Personnel Department will contact you for an interview.

Steps to Become A Firefighter

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Pre-Background Appointment

Pre-Background Appointment “ All applicants must submit PROOF of CPAT & EMT license”

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Background Investigation 

The Background Investigation will consist of a field investigation and a records check.  

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Review of Qualifications

This review may include the evaluation of the candidate’s training, experience, and personal qualifications.

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Medical & Psych Evaluation

A Medical Examination is conducted by a City physician to evaluate the candidate’s medical fitness and a Psychological evaluation will be conducted to evaluate the candidates fitness to perform the Firefighter duties. (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.).

Women Firefighter dragging fire hose to firetruck.

Career & Advancement Opportunities

Discover the limitless possibilities that await you after completing a minimum of 4 years of full-time paid fire suppression certified experience in the City of Los Angeles Fire Department. Embrace the challenge, become a leader, and elevate your career with advancement opportunities in the LAFD. 

LAFD candidate taking the FCA entrance exam.
FCA
FIREFIGHTER CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT
LAFD Paramedics in Action – Assisting a Patient with Urgency and Care.
EMT LICENSE