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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Firefighters

Median Salary
57,120
Job Outlook
+4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

What sectors do they work in?

State and local government

88%

Federal Government

9%

Private for profit

2%

Self-employed

0%

Private not for profit

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 25,700 openings for firefighters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$30,770

10%

$57,120

Median

$88,230

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    35%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    24%

  • Some college

    19%

  • Less than high school

    9%

  • Associate's degree

    7%

  • First professional degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Fire Protection, Other
  • Fire Science/Fire-fighting
  • Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician
  • Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation
  • Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Education and Training
  • Psychology
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.