Fire Department · Career
Philadelphia Fire Department
Philadelphia, PA · Philadelphia County
“"Working around the clock to respond to emergencies and keep residents safe."”
largest fire department in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Fire Department seeks Paramedic Captain with at least two years as a Lieutenant. Salary $307,000 annually. Apply by July 27, 2026.
Philadelphia Fire Department hiring Deputy Chief Paramedic with a salary of $309,000 annually. Deadline: July 27, 2026.
Philadelphia Fire Department hiring a Fire Paramedic Services Chief with a salary of $308,000 annually. Deadline: July 27, 2026.
Philadelphia Fire Department hiring Paramedics with current certification. Apply by Aug 3, 2026. Salary $350 annual. Veterans and legacy preference available.
The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) is the largest fire department in Pennsylvania. It provides fire suppression, one of the nation's busiest emergency medical services divisions, rescue operations, fire investigation, hazardous materials response, airport protection, and public fire safety education across the city.
Operating out of 63 stations, the department fields engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances to respond to emergencies around the clock. Its EMS workload is among the heaviest in the United States, reflecting the demands of serving a dense, populous urban core.
The PFD combines traditional structural firefighting with a large medical mission, giving firefighters and medics broad exposure across fire, rescue, hazmat, and EMS work.
Philadelphia hires firefighters through the civil service process. Candidates take a civil service examination, and the highest scorers advance to department interviews, background investigation, and a medical exam before entering the Fire Academy. Recruits complete a nine-month academy covering firefighting and emergency medical services, followed by a six-month probationary period.
Hiring happens in periodic recruitment cycles rather than continuously. Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete the department's job interest form and can reach recruitment at PFDrecruitment@phila.gov or (215) 685-3748 for the next opening.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age at time of hire
- High school diploma or GED
- Must have established residence in the City one year prior to appointment
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license prior to appointment (no suspended or revoked license; outstanding traffic fees resolved)
- Able to physically perform the duties and pass a medical examination
Hiring process
- Civil service examination (high scorers advance)
- Department interviews, criminal investigation, background check, and medical exam
- Nine-month training at the Philadelphia Fire Academy in firefighting and emergency medical services
- Six-month probationary period after being sworn in
Benefits
Healthcare coverage, retirement pension, deferred compensation (457b), tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and paid training, with career advancement opportunities. Additional compensation includes a uniform allowance, holiday pay, and overtime at 1.5x.
Nine-month training at the Philadelphia Fire Academy covering firefighting and emergency medical services, followed by a six-month probationary period.
What are the basic requirements to become a Philadelphia firefighter?
You must be at least 18 at time of hire, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a valid Pennsylvania driver's license before appointment, and have established residence in the City one year prior to appointment.
How much do Philadelphia firefighters earn?
Recruits start at $64,982 per year in the Academy, with scheduled increases up to $90,253, plus a uniform allowance, holiday pay, and overtime at 1.5x.
What is the hiring process?
It involves a civil service examination, then interviews, background investigation, and a medical exam for high scorers, followed by a nine-month academy and a six-month probationary period.
Do I have to live in Philadelphia to apply?
You must have established residence in the City one year prior to appointment. Non-residents must wait one year from establishing residency before becoming eligible.
How long is the training academy?
Recruits complete nine months of training at the Philadelphia Fire Academy in firefighting and emergency medical services, followed by a six-month probationary period after being sworn in.
How do I apply or find out about the next hiring cycle?
Hiring happens in periodic recruitment cycles. Complete the department's job interest form and contact recruitment at PFDrecruitment@phila.gov or (215) 685-3748 for the next opening.