Firefighter Career
A firefighter protects the public safety in many ways. In addition to fighting fires, firefighters are often first responders at accident scenes and medical emergencies. Firefighters work in cities and towns, industrial sites, airports, and rural locations. However, the vast majority of firefighters work for municipal or county fire departments.
How to Become a Firefighter
A firefighter must be alert, disciplined, courageous, physically fit, and mechanically inclined. Firefighters should be prepared to make quick decisions and be able to work well on a team.
At the scene of a fire, a firefighter works in a team to:
- Connect hoses to hydrants
- Operate water pumps
- Position ladders
- Rescue victims
- Give emergency medical care
- Ventilate smoky buildings
- Salvage materials
A Firefighter's Job is High-Risk
Some firefighters use specialized equipment and methods. A firefighter in a hazardous materials units responds to events such as oil and chemical spills. Fighting forest fires is another specialty. Smoke jumping is particularly risky, but all firefighters are exposed to danger from collapsing buildings, smoke and fire, hazardous materials, and even traffic accidents.
Firefighter Training
Firefighter job applicants typically take written, physical, and medical examinations. The highest scoring firefighter candidates are most likely to be hired. Taking community college classes in fire science may also improve your chances. EMT-Basic or paramedic certification may also be required. Some fire departments train firefighters through apprenticeship programs.
Local fire departments and the U.S. National Fire Academy offer advanced training. Some states have certification programs. Fire departments may require 2-year or 4-year college degrees in fire science or fire engineering for promotion to the highest leadership positions. You can find out more about qualifications and professional training at the National Fire Academy.
Firefighter Pay
As of May 2006, the median annual earnings of firefighters were $41,190, with the middle 50 percent of firefighters earning between $29,550 and $54,120. Firefighter supervisors may earn between $50,180 and $79,060 annually.
Firefighter Career Outlook and Advancement
The rungs on the firefighter career ladder are:
- engineer
- lieutenant
- captain
- battalion chief
- assistant chief
- deputy chief
- chief
Competition for firefighter positions is intense. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 35,000 firefighters will be needed between now and 2016, but the firefighter job is popular and sought after, so there will be many applicants for every open position. Firefighters with education - an associate degree in fire science, for example - increase their chances for steady work at higher pay. You'll have a better shot at this exciting career, or advance the firefighter career you already have, by getting trained in new firefighting roles, such as homeland security.
Find a Fire Science Degree Program
Sources:
1) Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
2) National Fire Academy
“If Prometheus was worthy of the wrath of heaven for kindling the first fire upon earth, how ought all the gods honor the men who make it their professional business to put it out?”
—John Godfrey Saxe, (American journalist, poet, and lecturer), circa 1850