Fire Department · Career
Aurora Fire Department
Aurora, IL · Kane County
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Department careers page ↗The Aurora Fire Department (Aurora Fire Rescue) is a full-time career department serving the City of Aurora, one of Illinois' largest cities, from a network of neighborhood stations staffed around the clock. The department traces its roots to the city's 1857 incorporation.
Beyond structural firefighting, the department provides advanced life support paramedic service and staffs specialty teams for water/dive rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and fire and arson investigation, along with community programs like child car-seat installation and juvenile fire intervention.
Aurora holds an ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification, the highest rating awarded, reflecting the department's staffing, equipment, and water-supply capabilities.
Aurora hires entry-level firefighters through the National Testing Network (NTN). During an open application window, candidates apply and complete a video-based job-simulation exam, and successful applicants are placed on an eligibility list from which appointments are made. The department also runs a Fire Cadet program for younger applicants (ages 17-20) as a trainee path toward becoming a Fire Private.
When applications aren't open, prospective candidates can submit a Job Interest Form to be notified automatically the next time the fire academy testing window opens. The department emphasizes ongoing in-service training and offers tuition reimbursement and job-related sponsored training.
Requirements
- At least 20 and under 35 years of age at the time of the entrance exam; at least 21 and under 35 at time of appointment
- United States citizen at time of hire
- Fire Cadet path: 17 to under 21 years old, senior class standing or high school graduate with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and a valid State of Illinois Class D driver's license
Hiring process
- Apply through the National Testing Network during an open application window
- Complete a video-based job-simulation multiple-choice exam
- Placement on the eligibility list for appointment as vacancies arise
Benefits
Full benefit package with competitive pay. The department supports continuing education and career development through tuition reimbursement and job-related sponsored training.
New hires attend the fire academy; the Fire Cadet program serves as a trainee track toward Fire Private.
How do I apply to become an Aurora firefighter?
Entry-level firefighter applications are handled through the National Testing Network (NTN). During an open window you apply and complete a video-based job-simulation exam; qualifying candidates are placed on an eligibility list. When testing isn't open, submit a Job Interest Form to be notified when the next academy window opens.
What are the age requirements?
For entry-level firefighter, you must be at least 20 and under 35 at the time of the exam, and at least 21 and under 35 at the time of appointment. The Fire Cadet trainee program is for applicants 17 to under 21.
How much do Aurora firefighters earn?
In 2025, entry-level firefighter pay started at about $28.08/hour (roughly $72,699/year) during probation and rose to about $98,640/year after the 6-month probationary period, plus a full benefit package.
What is a Fire Cadet?
The Fire Cadet is a trainee to the position of Fire Private. Cadets perform routine station assignments to build a working knowledge of fire functions. Requirements include being 17 to under 21, senior class standing or a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA, and a valid Illinois Class D driver's license.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Applicants must be United States citizens at the time of hire.
What specialty teams does the department have?
Aurora Fire Rescue provides advanced life support paramedic service and operates specialty teams for water/dive rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and fire and arson investigation, plus community programs like car-seat installation and juvenile fire intervention.