The EPA reports that the wildfire season has grown longer, burning more and more acreage.
To make the most money, youll want to get on a hotshot crew.
These are the people who get the most challenging assignments.
As forest fire first responders, they also work the most hours.
Hotshot crew firefighterscan make $40,000in less than six months (with overtime and hazard pay).
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
The Biden Administration raised the minimum hourly wage for federal wildland firefighters to$15 per hour.
Could You Be a Forest Firefighter?
Being a federal wildland firefighter can be dangerous work.
Toget hired,youll need to complete a health screening questionnaire and a work capacity test.
You must complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less.
Job Qualifications
Ahigh school diplomais sufficient for most wildland firefighting jobs.
Apart from the health screening, paperwork and work capacity test, youll also need to learn job skills.
For example, theColorado Firecampdoes regular training in Salida, Colorado.
For example, the state of Washington has a web page dedicated toseasonal firefighter positions.
Kent McDill is a veteran journalist who has specialized in personal finance topics since 2013.
He is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
Steve Gillman contributed to this report.
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