Career guide · California
How to Become a Female Firefighter in California
31 active openings· pay $42k–$121k/yr
New to this path? Start with the firefighter career guide →
Know your readiness score — free
See exactly where you stand against CPAT standards before you apply. Built for women, scored against real numbers.
Get your free Firefighter readiness assessmentCalifornia Firefighter requirements
The core documents and certifications most California departments expect from firefighter candidates:
- ✓Valid driver's license
- ✓Birth certificate or passport
- ✓High school diploma / GED
- ✓EMT-Basic certification
- ✓CPR / BLS certification
- ✓CPAT completion certificate
- ✓Firefighter I certification
- ✓Firefighter II certification
- ✓Physical exam clearance letter
- ✓Background check authorization
CPAT fitness standards
Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) benchmarks. Women pass these at high rates when they train to them specifically — here are the minimum and target numbers:
| Event | Minimum | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Push-Ups | 25 reps | 40 reps |
| Pull-Ups | 3 reps | 8 reps |
| Sit-Ups (1 min) | 25 reps | 40 reps |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 15:30 | 13:00 |
| Stair Climb (Step Mill Hold) | 200 sec | 170 sec |
| Victim Drag (165 lbs, 35 ft) | 35 sec | 25 sec |
Take the free assessment → to see your gap on each event.
The California hiring process
Insight from tracked California departments like Los Angeles Fire Department.
high
Competitiveness
7,000
Est. applicants
Where California candidates fall short
4 common failure points and 4 insider tips for California departments are inside the app. Unlock the full hiring intel →
Open firefighter jobs in California
31 live openings, updated weekly from official agency boards.
Assistant Fire Marshal - Wildfire Mitigation
Fire · Carlsbad, CA
SUPERVISORY FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST
Department of the Navy · Broadway Complex, San Diego, California, CA
Firefighter / Paramedic
City of Vallejo · Vallejo, CA
Fire Fighter II
GovernmentJobs.com · Merced, CA
Firefighter-Paramedic
City of San Gabriel · San Gabriel, CA
FIREFIGHTER (HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN)
Department of the Air Force · Travis AFB, California, CA
Fire Protection Engineer (San Diego)
Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC · San Diego, CA
Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Engine Captain)
Department of the Interior · Alturas, California, CA
Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (Engine Captain)
Department of the Interior · Alturas, California, CA
FIREFIGHTER (HAZMAT TECHNICIAN/BASIC LIFE SUPPORT) - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY
Department of the Air Force · Palmdale, California, CA
LEAD FIREFIGHTER
Department of the Navy · Barstow, California, CA
Fire Protection Engineer
CSI Electrical Contractors · Santa Fe Springs, CA
Fire Captain, CI at California Men's Colony San Luis Obispo County, CA
California Men's Colony · California, CA
Senior Fire Protection Engineer
Irvine, CA
Fire Captain - Folsom State Prison at Folsom State Prison Sacramento County, CA
Folsom State Prison · California, CA
Fire Engineer - 4/10 Schedule, Full Benefits
City of Mt Shasta · Mount Shasta, CA
Fire Captain: Lead Team, Train & Protect Community
City of Mt Shasta · Mount Shasta, CA
Fire Captain: Lead Emergency Response & Fire Safety
Disney · Glendale, CA
Fire Protection Engineer
Fire & Risk Alliance, LLC · San Diego, CA
Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit Pre-Announcement
Fire District - Contra Costa · Contra Costa County, CA
Firefighter Recruit - Pre Announcement
Fire District - Contra Costa · Contra Costa County, CA
FIREFIGHTER (HAZ MAT TECH/BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)
Department of the Air Force · March AFB, California, CA
Lead Firefighter (Basic Life Support)
Department of the Army · Concord, California, CA
Fire Marshal
Fire Protection District · Thousand Oaks and may be required to travel throughout Ventura County, CA
Fire Prevention Specialist I
FIRE · El Segundo, CA
Showing 25 of 31. See all California openings →
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