Firefighters begin at pay grade F-18 Step1, and paramedics begin at pay grade F-18 Step 3. After graduation, probationary recruit firefighters are assigned to a fire station and receive a shift differential with paid holidays. For more information, refer to the Fairfax County 2026 New Employee Benefit Guide.
Benefits include:
| 25 Year Retirement | Annual Leave | Fairfax County Merit System | College Tuition Assistance |
| 15 Days Military Leave | Sick Leave | Deferred Compensation Program | Optional Disability, Dental, and Life Insurance |
| 12 Paid Holidays | Shift Differential | Employee Assistance Program | Flexible Spending Accounts |
| Free Training | Credit Union | Free Uniforms and Equipment | Group Health Benefits |
24-hour shift schedule three rotating shifts (A, B, and C)
- 24 hours on (7 a.m. to 7 a.m.)
- 24 hours off
- 24 hours on (7 a.m. to 7 a.m.)
- 24 hours off
- 24 hours on (7 a.m. to 7 a.m.)
- Four days off
Promotional Opportunities
- Firefighter
- Fire Technician
- Fire Lieutenant
- Fire Captain
- Fire Battalion Chief
- Fire Deputy Chief
- Fire Assistant Chief
- Fire Chief
For more information, please visit the Fairfax County Retirement Systems page.