Do smokejumpers make good money?

A smokejumper earns around $16.00 per hour while a smokejumper foreman earns about $24.00 per hour. Smokejumpers are paid nothing extra for making parachute jumps; however, they do receive hazard pay equivalent to 25 percent of their base pay when working on an uncontrolled wildfire.

What do smokejumpers make a year?

Salary Ranges for Smoke Jumpers The salaries of Smoke Jumpers in the US range from $23,010 to $79,490 , with a median salary of $46,870 . The middle 60% of Smoke Jumpers makes $46,870, with the top 80% making $79,490.

What is the average age of a smokejumper?

35
The average age of an American smokejumper is 35, while the average age of recruits is 22.

Do smokejumpers make more than firefighters?

The state of California, for instance, employs wildland firefighters who work on the ground only and earn less than federal smokejumpers.

How hard is it to become a smokejumper?

All smokejumper candidates are required to pass the standard smokejumper physical training (PT) test on the first day of smokejumper training. Candidates must do 7 pull-ups, 45 sit-ups, 25 push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run in less than 11 minutes (McCall’s elevation is 5000′).

Are smokejumpers hotshots?

Hotshots and Smokejumpers are considered the two most highly skilled, trained, and experienced firefighting crews at the U.S. Forest Service’s disposal. Becoming a Smokejumper, however, is a bit more competitive because, while there are about 2,000 Hotshots nationwide, there are only about 400 smokejumpers.

Is smokejumpers a real job?

Smokejumpers are specially trained wildland firefighters who provide an initial attack response on remote wildland fires. They are inserted at the site of the fire by parachute.

How hard is it to be a smoke jumper?

What is the difference between a smokejumper and a hotshot?

While Hotshots hike up to battle remote wildfires on foot, Smokejumpers parachute in. These elite wildland firefighters are most often deployed to battle wildfires in extremely remote areas, before the flames spread far enough to pose a threat.

How hard is it to become a smoke jumper?

How do I get a job as a smoke jumper?

To apply go to USAJOBS – The Federal Government’s Official Jobs Site . The application period for GS-5 and GS-6 smokejumper positions are currently open. Applications must be posted in USAJOBS no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.

What is the most elite firefighter?

Deanne Shulman. Some of the most elite forces of firefighters are the Type-1 and Type-II wildland firefighters, also known as Smokejumpers. These brave men and women parachute into remote fire scenes, carrying up to 100 pounds of gear on their back.

Whats the difference between a smokejumper and a hotshot?

“The biggest difference is just the way we’re delivered to the fire. So Smokejumpers are delivered aerial. And then obviously we show up to the fire in a variety of different ways. A Hotshot crew is a 20 person hand crew and basically, our focus is large fire suppression.

How tall do you have to be to be a smokejumper?

In addition to passing the physical training test, prospective smokejumpers must meet the following requirements: Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Height: Must be not more than 77 inches or less than 60 inches tall without shoes.

What states have smokejumpers?

The U.S. Forest Service has about 320 smokejumpers that work from seven bases located in following areas:

  • Grangeville, Idaho.
  • McCall, Idaho.
  • Missoula, Montana.
  • Redding, California.
  • Redmond, Oregon.
  • West Yellowstone, Montana.
  • Winthrop, Washington.

Is it hard to become a smokejumper?

Candidates must be highly motivated individuals in top physical condition and capable of performing arduous duties. Any physical defect sufficient to impair efficiency or endanger fellow workers will disqualify the applicant.

Is it hard to be a smokejumper?

Wildland firefighters train hard, but smokejumpers train harder. Keep in mind that an entry-level smokejumper job is not an entry-level firefighting job, and the U.S. Forest Service physical fitness requirements are intense.

Who are the most elite firefighters?

Hotshot crews are the most highly trained, skilled and experienced type of handcrews. They are qualified to provide leadership for initial-attack and extended-attack on wildland fires. Hotshots are trained and equipped to work in remote areas for extended periods of time with minimal logistical support.

Do hotshots parachute into fires?

There are hundreds of smokejumpers in the U.S. who are all highly trained firefighters that parachute out of planes to quickly attack wildland fires in remote areas.

What is the difference between a smoke jumper and a hotshot?