CFD Job Requirements
Candidates for Firefighter/EMT:
Prior to written test:
- Must be 18 years of age by the date of administration of the Firefighter/EMT written examination.
- No person may be appointed after age 37.
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a general equivalency diploma (GED) by the date of administration of the Firefighter/EMT written examination.
By date of hire:
- Must obtain proof of passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) within the last 12 months.
- Must establish residency within the Chicago city limits by date of hire.
- Must hold a valid Driver's License issued within the United States.
- How to obtain an Illinois Driver's License (Licensing requirements vary by state of issue).
- Must pass pre-employment screening, including:
- Background investigation with fingerprinting
- Drug test
- Medical screening
Starting Salary (as of June 30, 2021):
- $62,160/yr
- After 5 years: $98,424/yr
- Eligible for Holiday Pay, Duty Availability Pay, Specialty Pay, and Uniform Allowance.
Candidates for Fire Paramedic:
At time of application, candidate must possess:
- State of Illinois EMT-Paramedic License
- State of Illinois Driver's License
- CPR Certification
- One of the following certifications:
- Advanced Trauma Life Support
- Basic Trauma Life Support
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support
- International Trauma Life Support
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
By date of hire:
- Must establish residency within the Chicago city limits by date of hire.
- Must pass pre-employment screening, including:
- Must pass Paramedic Physical Ability Test
- Background investigation with fingerprinting
- Drug test
- Medical screening
Starting Salary (As of June 30, 2021):
- $62,160/yr
- After 5 years: $92,796/yr
- Eligible for Holiday Pay, Duty Availability Pay, Specialty Pay, and Uniform Allowance.