Fire Department · Career
Naperville Fire Department
Naperville, IL · DuPage County
Naperville Fire Department hiring Paramedics at $85,257 annually with a deadline of July 18, 2026. Requires EMT-P or RN license and CPAT certification.
Naperville Fire Department hiring Paramedic/Firefighter with a salary of $85,257 annually. EMT-P or RN license required along with CPAT certification. Deadline: July 19, 2026.
The Naperville Fire Department was founded and chartered in 1874 after two major downtown fires, and today serves the City of Naperville and the unincorporated areas of the Naperville Fire Protection District.
The department covers roughly 52 square miles and protects a population of more than 160,000 residents. It operates 10 strategically located fire stations with approximately 200 employees and handles about 18,000 calls for service each year.
Naperville is an internationally accredited agency built around fire suppression, prevention, and paramedic-level emergency medical response, supplemented by specialized teams. Its stated response-time goal is 6 minutes or less, 90% of the time.
Beyond traditional response, the department runs programs such as a Community Advocate Response Team (CART) for non-emergency mental-health and quality-of-life crises, First Aid/CPR/AED certification, and a prescription drug drop box.
MissionTo respond to all emergency and non-emergency calls for service in a time that meets the expectations of the community and to promote safe practices through ongoing fire prevention and public education programs.
Naperville hires firefighter/paramedics through the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners using a Public Safety Testing process. Candidates register at publicsafetytesting.com, complete a written exam and situational judgment test (70% minimum on the written), and must already hold a valid CPAT card with ladder certification plus an Illinois EMT-Paramedic license, National Certified Paramedic pass, or RN license.
Applicants must be 19-35 and U.S. citizens (residency in Naperville is not required). After testing, those with active paramedic/RN and CPAT credentials advance to background screening and placement on the eligibility register, where veteran, cadet, and education preference points apply. A fire academy for new hires is anticipated in fall 2026.
Requirements
- 19 to 35 years old at the exam date (exceptions for prior Illinois firefighters and veterans)
- U.S. citizen (Naperville residency not required)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Illinois EMT-Paramedic license, National Certified Paramedic Exam pass, or RN license
- Valid CPAT card with ladder certification issued within the past year
- Valid driver's license
- U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers
Hiring process
- Register through the Public Safety Testing website (publicsafetytesting.com)
- Choose in-person or virtual testing
- Complete the Personal History Statement and upload required documents
- Pass the written test (70% minimum) and situational judgment test
- Background screening for candidates with active EMT-P/RN and CPAT credentials
- Placement on the initial eligibility register; claim preference points within 10 days
Benefits
See the City of Naperville 2026 Benefits Overview. Preference points are available for veterans (5), cadet program completion (2-4), and fire service/EMS associate's or bachelor's degrees (5).
A fire academy for new hires is anticipated in fall 2026.
What are the basic requirements to become a Naperville firefighter/paramedic?
You must be 19 to 35 years old at the exam date, a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or equivalent, and hold a valid Illinois EMT-Paramedic license (or National Certified Paramedic pass or RN license), a valid driver's license, and a CPAT card with ladder certification issued within the past year.
How do I apply?
Register through the Public Safety Testing website (publicsafetytesting.com), complete the Personal History Statement, upload required documents, and take the written and situational judgment tests during the posted testing window.
What does the job pay?
Firefighter/Paramedics start at $85,257 (as of Jan. 1, 2026). RNs start at $82,896 and move to $85,257 after the Paramedic Bridge Program. Step 6 pay of $115,549 is available with 5+ years of experience, proper certification, and completed probation.
Do I need to live in Naperville?
No. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, but residency in Naperville is not required.
Are preference points available?
Yes. Veterans can earn 5 points (with DD-214 and honorable discharge), cadet program completion earns 2-4 points, and a fire service or EMS associate's or bachelor's degree earns 5 points.
When is the next testing period?
Applications are being accepted for a testing period running April 17 to July 18, 2026, with a July 18, 2026 deadline. Only scores from tests taken during this period are accepted.