Firefighter
O*NET-SOC: 33-2011.00
Controls and extinguishes fires, protects life and property, responds to emergency situations including hazardous materials incidents and medical emergencies, and conducts fire prevention inspections and public education programs.
About this Role
A Firefighter controls and extinguishes fires, responds to medical emergencies, and protects lives and property during a wide range of crises. They begin their shift by checking and organizing equipment, testing radios, water pumps, and self-contained breathing apparatus, and reviewing the status of apparatus and supplies. When an alarm sounds, they quickly don protective gear, board the fire engine or truck, and drive to the scene, often arriving within minutes to assess conditions, deploy hoses, and begin rescue or suppression efforts.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Training evolution and drills
Participate in a skills drill such as hose handling, ladder operations, or forcible entry, practicing techniques under supervision to maintain readiness for emergencies.
10:00 AM
Fire engine response to structure fire
Respond to a reported house fire, conduct a primary search, deploy attack lines, and coordinate ventilation while communicating status to the incident commander.
12:30 PM
Lunch and medical call standby
Eat a quick meal at the station while remaining on call, ready to respond if another alarm comes in during the break.
2:00 PM
EMS response to medical emergency
Respond to a medical call, assess the patient’s condition, administer basic life support, and assist in transporting the patient to an emergency department if needed.
4:30 PM
Vehicle rescue training
Practice using hydraulic rescue tools, cutting sheet metal, and stabilizing vehicles to safely extricate patients in simulated car-crash scenarios.
6:30 PM
Evening fire alarm response and overhaul
Respond to an evening alarm, extinguish the fire, perform overhaul to check for hidden hot spots, and secure the scene before returning to the station.
8:00 PM
After-shift cleanup and log review
Clean and restock gear, refill air cylinders, and review call logs or incident reports with the officer to debrief what went well and what could be improved.
Tools & Technologies
Databases & Data Tools
- Microsoft Access
- Affiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSE
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentations
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Operating Systems
- Microsoft Windows
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $44K and $77K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $34K |
| 25th | $44K |
| 50th (Median) | $60K |
| 75th | $77K |
| 90th | $101K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications
State fire training agency or similar body
Validates core firefighting skills, including fire behavior, hose operations, search and rescue, and safety procedures, and is typically required for employment as a firefighter.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification
State EMS agency
Trains firefighters to provide basic or advanced life support care, which is essential in many departments that also respond to medical emergencies.
Recommended
Hazmat Operations or Awareness certification
FEMA
Covers recognition of hazardous materials, basic protective measures, and coordination with specialized hazmat teams during chemical or contaminant incidents.
Professional Memberships
International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) membership
International Association of Firefighters
Provides advocacy, benefits, training resources, and professional development opportunities for firefighters across North America.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Primarily outdoor / field work
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (42)
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- CoordinationGood Match
- Service OrientationGood Match
- Judgment and Decision MakingGood Match
- Active ListeningGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firefighter a good career?
Firefighter can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $60K and job outlook is stable (4% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Firefighter?
The typical education requirement for a Firefighter is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Firefighter?
Becoming a Firefighter typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Firefighter?
The work-life balance for a Firefighter is demanding, often requiring long hours, irregular schedules, or high-pressure situations. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Firefighter?
The job outlook for Firefighter is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 4% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.