| Quick Facts: Firefighters | |
|---|---|
| 2021 Median Pay | $50,700 per year $24.38 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2021 | 326,100 |
| Job Outlook, 2021-31 | 4% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2021-31 | 13,900 |
What Firefighters Do
Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment.
Work Environment
On the scene of a fire or other emergency, firefighters’ work may be dangerous. On call at fire stations, firefighters sleep, eat, and perform other duties during shifts that often last 24 hours. Most paid firefighters work full time.
How to Become a Firefighter
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for firefighters was $50,700 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 28,000 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for firefighters.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of firefighters with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about firefighters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.