Fire Department · Combination
Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue
Hampton, VA · Hampton (city) County
Join Hampton Fire & Rescue as an ALS Technician with a salary of $57,319–$63,051 annually. Requires EMT-I or Paramedic certification and at least one year of EMS experience. Apply by Aug 1, 2026.
Join Hampton Fire & Rescue as a Pre-Qualified Firefighter/EMT with an annual salary of $56,510–$88,133. Deadline: 2026-09-17.
Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue delivers fire suppression, emergency medical services, and community risk reduction across the city of Hampton, Virginia. Its work spans fire prevention, investigations, code enforcement, water rescue, and hazardous materials mitigation.
The division protects more than 136,000 residents across roughly 53 square miles from 11 strategically located fire stations, staffed by over 300 full-time personnel alongside a volunteer contingent.
With volunteer service dating back to 1884, Hampton became Virginia's first combination fire/rescue agency to earn an ISO Class 1 rating, in 2016, and holds full accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Hampton hires firefighters through a city-wide process at www.hampton.gov/HIRE, with applications accepted online when the recruitment window opens. Candidates must already hold Virginia EMT-Basic and Advanced EMT certification and pass a timed Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
After a conditional offer, recruits enter an approximately 38-week training program built around the 16-week Hampton Roads Fire Academy plus EMT and Advanced EMT training, starting at the Recruit I pay level and advancing after academy and field training are complete.
Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States
- Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record (point balance of -4 or better at application, -3 or better if offered a position)
- No reckless driving convictions within 3 years; no DUI/DWI within 5 years; no suspended/revoked license violations within 5 years
- Virginia EMT-Basic certification
- Advanced EMT certification
- Must meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582
- Sign a no-tobacco-use agreement
- Pass a timed Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Hiring process
- Apply online at www.hampton.gov/HIRE when the application process opens
- Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), with up to three attempts allowed
- Pass the written examination
- Panel interview with division members and an HR representative
- Conditional job offer with background questionnaire, fingerprinting, criminal checks, employment verification, polygraph, and medical/drug screening per NFPA 1582
Benefits
Hampton offers health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays, bereavement); the VRS Retirement Plan with a 1.85% multiplier plus a Hazardous Duty Supplement after 20 years; 401(a) and 457 hybrid defined-contribution plans; tuition reimbursement and education assistance; and career and professional development. Educational and certification incentives add pay for an associate degree (+$600), bachelor's degree (+$800), EMT-Intermediate (+$1,600), Virginia EMT-Intermediate (+$3,300), and Virginia Paramedic (+$7,000).
Approximately 38-week training program including the 16-week Hampton Roads Fire Academy, 5-week EMT training, 3-week EMT certification, and 10-week Advanced EMT training.
What certifications do I need before applying?
You must hold Virginia EMT-Basic certification and Advanced EMT certification, and meet the medical requirements of NFPA 1582.
What is the minimum age and education requirement?
You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.
How much do Hampton firefighters earn to start?
Recruits start at the Recruit I level (about $46,256/year), increasing to roughly $50,264 after completing the fire academy, Advanced EMT certification, and field training, with added pay for advanced degrees and EMS certifications.
What is the work schedule?
Firefighters work 24-hour shifts on a 21-day cycle, averaging about 52-56 hours per week and roughly 10 shifts per month.
What does the hiring process involve?
Apply online at hampton.gov/HIRE, then pass the CPAT and a written exam, complete a panel interview, and receive a conditional offer contingent on background checks, polygraph, and a medical/drug screening.
What training will I go through as a recruit?
Recruits complete an approximately 38-week program, including the 16-week Hampton Roads Fire Academy plus EMT and Advanced EMT training.