Firefighter

Your Fit

Income

$60K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Firefighter?

A Firefighter is a trained professional specializing in fire prevention, emergency response, and extinguishing fires. They also provide critical community services such as emergency medical assistance and disaster response.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Firefighter.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Firefighter earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$44K per year	$60K per year	$77K per year	$101K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $10K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Firefighter do?

Work environment

Firefighters work in a variety of settings, including municipal fire departments, airports, industrial sites, and wildland areas. The job involves exposure to dangerous and physically demanding conditions, often requiring work in shifts that cover 24 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Responds to emergency situations and extinguishes fires.
Administers first aid and emergency medical care.
Conducts fire inspections and enforces fire codes.
Maintains firefighting equipment and apparatus.
Participates in public education about fire safety.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Wildland Firefighter: Specializing in combating forest and wildland fires.
Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Firefighter: Dealing with fires and emergencies involving hazardous materials.
Airport Firefighter: Focusing on aircraft emergencies and fires at airports.
Fire Investigator: Determining the causes of fires and collecting evidence for legal purposes.
Fire Prevention and Education: Specializing in community outreach and education on fire safety.

Description

Firefighting is a challenging and dynamic profession that involves more than extinguishing fires. Firefighters must be prepared to tackle various emergency situations, including medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. They need to be physically fit, able to handle intense situations, and work well in a team. Continuous training is a key component of the job, encompassing firefighting techniques, emergency medical procedures, and specialized equipment usage.

The career path of a firefighter can be diverse, with opportunities for specialization in areas such as wildland firefighting, hazardous materials, and fire prevention. Many firefighters also take on roles in public education, teaching communities about fire safety and prevention. Advancement can include moving into higher-ranking positions like fire captain, battalion chief, or even fire chief, which involve more administrative and management responsibilities.

Being a firefighter requires a strong commitment to public service and a willingness to face risky, often life-threatening situations. It's a role that demands dedication, courage, and a calm demeanor under pressure. Despite the risks, it is a highly rewarding profession for those passionate about protecting their communities and helping others in times of crisis.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Saving lives and protecting property during emergencies.
The camaraderie and sense of brotherhood among fellow firefighters.
Being part of a respected profession that is crucial to public safety.

You might make a good Firefighter if you are...

Physically fit and capable of handling intense physical activity.
Calm under pressure and can think quickly in emergency situations.
A team player who values collaboration and communication.
Interested in serving the community and making a positive impact.
Eager to engage in continuous learning and skills development.

Pros:

Rewarding work with a direct impact on saving lives and property.
Strong sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Diverse career paths with opportunities for specialization.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous job conditions.
Emotional and mental stress from dealing with life-threatening situations.
Irregular and long working hours, including nights and weekends.

How to become a Firefighter

Typical education

The basic requirement is typically a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training at a fire academy. Many firefighters also pursue EMT or paramedic certification. Some roles may require an associate or bachelor's degree in fire science or a related field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical education to build strength and stamina.
Basic first aid and health classes.
Science courses, especially chemistry, for understanding fire behavior and hazardous materials.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a Junior Firefighter or Explorer program, if available.
Participating in team sports to develop teamwork and physical fitness.
Volunteering in community service projects to foster a sense of civic duty.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in and complete firefighter training at a fire academy.
Obtain certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic.
Consider pursuing a degree in fire science or a related field for advancement opportunities.
Stay physically fit and continue skills development through additional training courses and certifications.

More resources

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) - Provides resources and information for firefighting professionals.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Offers training and educational resources on fire safety and prevention.
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) - Federal organization providing information on fire safety, prevention, and education.
FireScience.org - A guide to firefighting careers, education, and training.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS.gov) - Information on EMT and paramedic certification and training.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.