Smokejumpers, also spelled smoke jumpers, employed in California make an average annual salary of $62,285, which equals about $30/hour. Entry-level smokejumpers can expect to make approximately $45,495/year, while senior-level smoker jumpers earn approximately $76,290/year.
Do smokejumpers make good money?
The average Smoke Jumper in the US makes $48,192. Smoke Jumpers make the most in Los Angeles, CA at $48,192, averaging total compensation 0% greater than the US average.
How long does it take to become a smokejumper?
Most applicants selected to become McCall Smokejumpers have at least 3-5 years as a wildland firefighter prior to applying. If you have no previous experience as a wildland firefighter, you need not be discouraged.
What is the difference between Hotshots and smokejumpers?
“The biggest difference is just the way we’re delivered to the fire. So Smokejumpers are delivered aerial. A Hotshot crew is a 20 person hand crew and basically, our focus is large fire suppression. We’ll have saws go through first.
How much do smokejumpers get paid per jump?
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. Smokejumpers must provide their own boots, watch, and knife for the job. Smokejumpers may be reimbursed for boots up to $300.00 once every three years.
What kind of job does a smokejumper do?
As a Smokejumper, you mix your skydiving and brush clearing skills in a job that has you fighting fires in remote areas of forests and national parks. In this line of work, speed is key. When your modes of transportation are a plane and a parachute, you can make it to remote areas much more quickly than a truck or even a helicopter can.
How long do smoke jumpers work for the Forest Service?
Cottrell is a permanent, year-round Forest Service employee. But about half the jumpers are only guaranteed six months of work. That means many supplement their firefighting with other work in the off-season. Cottrell did the same in his rookie years.
All smokejumpers must be in excellent physical condition because of the demanding nature of the job. Smokejumper recruits learn the basics of rugged terrain parachuting during an intense five week training course in smokejumper and fire management operations. Returning jumpers receive a two week refresher course.
