Firefighting and Prevention Workers

How to become a Firefighter

Official title: Firefighters

Also called: Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Rescue Technician (Fire Rescue Tech), Fire Technician (Fire Tech), Fireman, Forest Fire Suppression Specialist, Forestry Fire Technician (Forestry Fire Tech), Hot Shot, Rescue Firefighter, Wildland Firefighter

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.

Main tasks

Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
Search to locate fire survivors.
Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.

How to become one

Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services. Most firefighters receive training at a fire academy. Other credential requirements, such as emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, vary by state or locality.

Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Fire Apparatus Engineer.
Apprenticeship: Fire Fighter.
Apprenticeship: Fire Fighter, Crash, Fire.
Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services; Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician; Fire Science/Fire-fighting
Licence: A licence is required in 9 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $59,280 a year The middle half earn $44,490 to $77,250.
About 355,300 people work in this job now, and about 368,400 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Firefighter?

How much does a Firefighter earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $59,280 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $44,490 to $77,250.

Is a Firefighter a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 355,300 to about 368,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Firefighter?

Not always. 27% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Fire Apparatus Engineer.

Will AI change the work of a Firefighter?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.