What We Pay

A Los Alamos County Firefighter has many rewards, that will benefit an individual personally and financially. Los Alamos County offers an exceptional benefits package.

Added Benefits:

Once probation is completed there are many opportunities that may be available, such as Hazmat Tech, Technical Rescue Tech, Fire Inspector-Investigator, Wildland, Honor Guard, Bike Team, Combat Challenge. Some of these teams are incentive based and pay extra money per hour. See How We Serve page for details.

Promotional Opportunity:
LAFD is projecting many retirements in the upcoming years and the opportunity to promote will exist.

Working Environment:

LAFD is committed to inclusion and diversity in our work force. We are a fire family that welcomes all races and ethnicities, to include women in a non-traditional field. We work in a small mountain town with many recreational community while providing mission - critical response to protect the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The ideal of lending a helping hand when called, and to each other exists.

After 2 years Longevity Pay

Years of Service

2-4

5-7

8-10

11-13

14-16

17-19

20+

Extra Pay Per Hour/Year (2912)

$.52 /$1,514

$.86/$2,5014

$1.20/$3,494

$1.72/$5,009

$2.40/$6,989

$4.12/$11,997

$6.18/$17,996

Starting Salary- 1st Year

The first year of employment the starting salary for a Fire Recruit is ~$65,170 + $10,000 Hiring Bonus, or a Fire Paramedic Recruit is $65,170 + $15,000 Hiring Bonus. Both starting salaries don't include overtime. After probation a NM certified, EMT-Advanced would receive $1.50/hr incentive and Paramedics receive $3.75/hr incentive.

**Please include certifications at time of application.**

Hourly Rate - Work Week

Starting pay for the Academy is $22.38 /hour assigned to a 56 hour work week consisting of regular schedule Monday - Friday. Recruits will receive overtime for hours worked beyond 56. Typically (1) overnight per pay period is expected.

Upon graduation from Academy recruits will be assigned to a 48/96 work schedule

Recruits who complete their 1 year new-hire probation will receive a 5% increase.

Hiring Bonus Distribution (+$10,000-$15,000)

Each recruit will receive a hiring bonus: the first pay period following graduation from the academy. (approx. 6 months)
- Fire Recruit: $5,000
- Fire Recruit/Licensed Paramedic: $7,500
Just prior to end of the first year upon successful completion of probationary period. Firefighters will receive:
- Fire Recruit: $5,000
- Fire Recruit/Licensed Paramedic: $7,500

Benefits

25 year PERA Retirement Plan(65% paid by Employer, 35% paid by Employee)

LAC Employee Pension- This is a mandatory supplemental retirement plan, similar to a 401k, with contributions from the employee and Los Alamos County (LAC). LAC contributes 9% and the employee contributes 1%. Employees are fully vested after 7 years.

457 Deferred Compensation Plan available

Health Insurance Benefits- Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance- LAC currently pays
80% of the monthly premium for employee, employee plus one or family.

Tuition assistance- After completion of new hire probation (one year), LAFD employees are eligible to receive tuition assistance.