Firefighter Career Guide

What is a firefighter?

A firefighter is someone who tackles emergencies like fires, car crashes, and dangerous spills to keep people and places safe. They’re the heroes we count on when things get really bad. Not only do they fight fires, but they also help prevent future ones by teaching people about fire safety.

Duties and responsibilities

Firefighters have a lot of jobs, but their main one is to quickly handle fires and other emergencies. They use tools and gear to put out fires and help people in trouble. They also teach people how to stay safe from fires, check that fire equipment works right, and sometimes even give first aid like CPR. When they’re not fighting fires, they’re getting ready for the next emergency by checking their equipment and practicing their skills.

Work environment

Firefighters work wherever emergencies are—inside burning buildings, at crash sites, or in the wild fighting forest fires. They deal with smoke, heat, and dangerous stuff a lot. When they’re not out on calls, they live at the fire station where they stay ready all the time, often for 24-hour shifts.

Typical work hours

Firefighters work really long hours, usually 24 hours at a time, followed by a couple of days off. They need to be ready to jump into action any time, day or night, even on holidays. They often work extra hours, especially when there are a lot of emergencies or not enough staff.

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How to become a firefighter

Becoming a firefighter means you’ll be stepping into a role where you’ll save lives and help people in emergencies. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

Step 1: Finish high school

First, you need to finish high school or get a GED. Doing well in classes like math, science, and health can really help since firefighting involves a lot of that knowledge.

Step 2: Keep a clean record

Since firefighters are trusted by the community, it’s important to have a clean record, both criminally and in driving. This shows you’re responsible and reliable.

Step 3: Get EMT certified

Most fire departments want you to be certified as an emergency medical technician (EMT) because you’ll often help people in medical emergencies. This training can take a few months to two years.

Step 4: Apply for jobs

With your diploma and EMT certification, you can start applying for firefighter jobs. You can find openings on job websites, by networking, or on fire department websites. Keep an eye out for application deadlines!

Step 5: Pass the tests

You’ll need to pass some tests to become a firefighter. This includes a written test on things like math and emergency care, and a physical test to see if you’re fit for the job.

Step 6: Go to firefighter training academy

If you pass your tests, you’ll go to a training academy to learn everything from putting out fires to handling hazardous materials. It’s tough but will prepare you for the job.

Step 7: Finish a probationary period

After the academy, you’ll start working but will be in a trial period for up to a year where you’ll learn from experienced firefighters and prove you can handle the job.

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How much do firefighters make?

Compensation for firefighters is influenced by their level of experience and location. Working conditions, such as the level of hazard or the size of the community served, can also affect pay. Union membership and the size of the employing organization can further impact their salary figures.

Highest paying states

Browse firefighter salary data by market

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Types of firefighters

Firefighters can specialize in different areas depending on where they work and what kind of fires they fight. Here are some common types:

Urban firefighter

These firefighters work in cities where they handle building fires and other emergencies like car crashes. They need to be really fit and ready to face dangerous situations.

Wildland firefighter

These firefighters deal with wildfires in places like forests and grasslands. They use special tools and strategies to control large fires and often work in tough, remote areas. Loving nature and staying in excellent physical shape are key for this job.

Airport firefighter

Airport firefighters are specialized in handling fires and emergencies at airports, especially involving airplanes and airport buildings. They know a lot about aircraft and use special foam to put out fires. This job requires detailed knowledge about airport safety and emergency procedures.

Fire investigator

After a fire happens, fire investigators help figure out how and why it started. They often work with the police if they think someone set the fire on purpose. Knowing about firefighting and how to investigate scenes is important for this role.

Fire science educator

These are the teachers of the firefighting world. They train new firefighters about everything from putting out fires to handling dangerous materials safely. If you’re good at firefighting and teaching, this could be a great way to help others learn the craft.

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Top skills for firefighters

Being a firefighter is not just about putting out fires. It’s about being strong, a quick thinker, and working well with others in tough situations. Here are some important skills you’ll need:

Physical fitness

Firefighters must be in great shape because they work in extreme conditions, like intense heat or tight spaces. Staying fit is essential.

Crisis management

Handling emergencies calmly and effectively is crucial. They need to think fast, make decisions quickly, and follow plans to save lives and manage dangerous situations.

Teamwork

Firefighters work closely as a team. They depend on each other a lot, so being able to work well with others and communicate clearly is very important.

Problem-solving skills

Quickly figuring out what’s wrong and how to fix it is a big part of the job. Whether it’s choosing the best way to fight a fire or saving someone in danger, being a good problem solver helps a lot.

Communication skills

Talking clearly and listening well are key. They need to share information quickly and clearly with their team and other emergency workers, and sometimes, they need to explain things to people they are helping.

Compassion

Being kind and understanding helps them comfort people who are scared or upset. It’s important to be able to show you care and want to help.

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Firefighter career path options

Becoming a firefighter is just the start. There’s a lot of ways you can move up and try new things in this career. Here’s how you can grow and advance:

Moving up the ranks

• Engineer or driver/operator: After gaining some experience, you might get to manage the fire truck and its equipment. This means driving the truck to emergencies and making sure everything works right.
• Fire lieutenant: As a lieutenant, you’d be the boss of a group of firefighters. It’s your job to make sure they’re trained well and follow safety rules.
• Fire captain and battalion chief: If you keep doing well, you could become a captain, where you manage several teams during emergencies. A step up from that is battalion chief, where you’d oversee many teams and handle the big picture stuff at fire scenes.

Top roles

• Assistant chief, deputy chief, and fire chief: These are the big boss jobs where you do a lot of planning, manage the department’s money, and talk with community leaders. Getting to these roles takes a lot of hard work and experience.

Specialized paths

• Fire investigators and fire service instructors: Some firefighters focus on figuring out how fires started or teaching other firefighters.
• Paramedic firefighters: If you have training as a paramedic, you can help give emergency medical care, which is a big help in many fire departments.

After firefighting

• Some firefighters use their experience to get into emergency management, fire safety consulting, or teaching about firefighting and emergencies.

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Similar job titles

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Dispatcher
• Paramedic
• Police Officer
• 911 Dispatcher
• 911 Operator

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Position trends and outlook for firefighters

• Tech advancements: Firefighting is changing a lot, especially with more wildfires happening because of climate changes. New tech is helping too, like better firefighting gear, drones that can scout fires, and more advanced safety equipment.
• Health and well-being: There’s also a big focus on making sure firefighters stay healthy and happy. Since firefighting is tough on both the body and mind, new programs are being created to help them cope with the stress and risks of their job.

Employment projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for firefighters is expected to grow by about 4% through 2031, which is as fast as most other jobs. This growth is mostly because more people are living in places that can catch fire easily, like forests and grassy areas, so more of these pros are needed to keep new communities safe.

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Firefighter career tips

Understand the job

Firefighting isn’t just about fighting fires. You also help in rescues, deal with dangerous materials, and handle medical emergencies. The job needs you to be ready at different times, including nights and weekends, so being flexible is really important.

Stay fit

You need to be really strong and fit because the job is very demanding. Regular exercise, like running, lifting weights, and agility drills, should be part of your daily life. Training with gear similar to what firefighters wear, like climbing stairs in a weighted vest, is also a great idea.

Keep learning

Firefighting changes all the time, so you need to keep learning new things. Here are some areas you might want to study:

• Medical skills like EMT or paramedic training
• Fire science or engineering
• Advanced firefighting courses

Expose yourself to real-world experiences

Volunteer at a fire station or get an apprenticeship. This hands-on experience is priceless because it teaches you about the job’s challenges and how to handle them confidently.

Network, network, network

Meeting other firefighters and joining groups can help you learn from others and find opportunities in the future. Consider joining organizations like:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
• International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Service
• National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)

Handle stress well

Firefighting can be really stressful. Seeing tough situations can affect your feelings and stress levels, so it’s important to know how to relax and take care of your mental health. Things like sports, talking to friends or a counselor, and staying active can help a lot.

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FAQs