What Is a Fire Truck Driver Called? Roles, Requirements & Career Insights

When a fire alarm rings, we all know the big red truck is on its way. But who is behind the wheel of that huge vehicle? What is a fire truck driver called? Let’s find out!

Fire Truck Driver Infographic

Fire Truck Driver: Key Insights

Job Titles

Fire Truck Driver

Fire Apparatus Engineer

Fire Service Vehicle Operator

Average Hourly Wage

The average hourly wage for a fire truck driver in the US is around $20.67, with a typical range from $16.83 to $23.56.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Fire Trucks

Perform Safety Checks

Operate Medical Equipment

Certifications Needed

Most fire truck drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for vehicles over 26,001 lbs (Class A/B). Some roles might also need specific certifications like RT130.

What Is a Fire Truck Driver Called? Key Titles Explained

A fire truck driver is not just a driver. They do a lot more! They have special titles. Here are some of them:

Firefighter Driver/Engineer

This is a long name, but it tells us a lot. This person drives the truck. But they also work as a firefighter. They help put out fires! They are also an engineer. This means they know how to work the truck’s pumps and ladders.

Fire Apparatus Operator

“Apparatus” is a fancy word for equipment. So, this title means the person operates all the equipment on the truck. They make sure everything is working right. They also drive the fire truck to where it needs to be.

Driver Engineer

A driver engineer has a very, important job and is a valued member of the team.

Core Responsibilities of a Fire Truck Driver

Being a fire truck driver is a big job. Here are some of the things they do:

Emergency Vehicle Operation

This one is easy. They drive the truck! But it is not like driving a car. Fire trucks are big and heavy. The driver has to be very careful. They need to get to the fire fast, but also safely. For exampe, if you have ever driven a large pickup attached to a trailer, just think how hard core driving a massive fire truck must be.

Equipment Management

The fire truck has lots of equipment. There are hoses to spray water. There are ladders to reach high places and pumps to control the water pressure. The driver makes sure all this equipment works. They check it every day.

Leadership Roles

Sometimes, the driver is in charge. If the officer is not there, the driver takes over. They tell the other firefighters what to do.

How to Become a Fire Truck Driver

Want to be a fire truck driver? Here is what you need to do:

Certification & Licensing

You need a special license to drive a fire truck. It is called a CDL, or Commercial Driver’s License. Some trucks are so big; you need a special kind of CDL. It is like when you get your learner’s permit, but for very big vehicles!

Skill Development

You need to learn a lot of skills. You need to know how to drive the truck. You need to know how to work the pumps and hoses. You might even need to learn how to use special equipment like defibrillators.

Career Pathways

Pathways are good.

FAQs About Fire Truck Drivers

Here are some common questions about fire truck drivers:

“Do All Firefighters Drive the Truck?”

No! Only some firefighters are trained to drive the truck. They are the Driver Engineers or Apparatus Operators.

“Is a CDL Always Required?”

It depends on the size of the truck. Some small trucks might not need a CDL. But most big fire trucks do.

“What will I need to do to become a firefighter?”

You will help people and put out fires! Cool.

“What are the physical demands of the job?”

It can be physically tough.

消防车司机角色的关键数据和案例研究

Category	Details
Job Titles	Fire Truck Driver, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Service Vehicle Operator
Average Hourly Wage	$20.67 (US average), ranging from $16.83 to $23.56/hour
High-Paying Roles	Wildland Fire Aviation Fuel Support Truck Driver ($30.00–$35.00/hour)
Certification	– CDL required for vehicles >26,001 lbs (Class A/B). Some states may lessen this requirement
	– RT130 certification for specialized roles (e.g., flatbed truck drivers)
Key Responsibilities	– Drive fire trucks, perform safety and mechanical checks
	– Operate medical equipment (For example, defibrillators, IV drips) in emergencies
Training Requirements	– State-specific firefighter training; CDL exemptions in some states
	– Promotions require years of experience + vehicle operation training
Job Availability	– Indeed lists 8+ firetruck driver jobs as of 2025. This shows how in-demand the position is!
	– Montana has seasonal wildland firefighter/driver roles, ending on April 13, 2025
Case Study	Washington State’s 2025 Wildland Fire Aviation Fuel Support Driver role: Washington has this position open.
	– This job often requires overnight travel for assignments and training.

Internal Links

-If you are interested in very big trucks that deal with chemicals, consider a High-Capacity Carbon Steel Refueling Truck.

Some large tanker may be needed at large fire, much like an Aluminum Alloy Oil Tanker – 320HP, 26m³ Capacity.
-If you need a big, fast truck, check out a Fuel Truck – 12.6m³ Diesel Engine.
Some jobs might need a Chengli Brand – Blasting Equipment Transport Vehicle.
See also, the Four Seasons Pollution Removal Vehicle.

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