Wildland Firefighter / Forest Firefighter in Aberdeen, SD
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Aberdeen-area Wildland Firefighter / Forest Firefighters
💰 Aberdeen Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Aberdeen figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Wildland Firefighter / Forest Firefighter Work in Aberdeen
Wildland firefighters battle forest fires, brush fires, and wildfires across millions of acres of public and private land — working in extreme conditions that demand peak physical fitness and teamwork. It's one of the most demanding and mission-driven careers available, often leading to careers with the USFS, BLM, or state forestry agencies.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Construct firelines using hand tools (Pulaskis, McLeods)
- Operate chainsaws and pumps in active fire situations
- Conduct prescribed burns for forest management
- Fight fire from the air as a smokejumper or helitack crew member
- Perform post-fire rehabilitation and erosion control
🎓 Training Programs Near Aberdeen
Browse all South Dakota schools offering Wildland Firefighter / Forest Firefighter programs.
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 6% (Faster than average)
National Jobs: 22K employed nationwide
Credential Required: NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) Certification + Red Card
Typical Program: Agency training (USFS, BLM, state forestry) — Weeks (initial certification)