How To Become a Firefighter in 6 Steps
Updated April 30, 2024
Video: A Day in the Life of a Firefighter
See the adrenaline-fueled world of a firefighter from the perspective of an established firefighter captain. Follow Ted through a typical workday, from emergency calls to equipment checks and everything in between.
Related jobs on Indeed
What is a firefighter?
A firefighter specializes in putting out fires and helping people who experience fires by bringing them to safety. Many firefighters also have qualifications as first responders, which allows them to give medical care to people who get injured or sick from exposure to fire or smoke. Firefighters can work in various environments, such as residential homes, office buildings and entire city blocks. Some firefighters also specialize in responding to wildfires, which involves extinguishing fires in places like forest preserves and areas with many trees. Here are a few essential job duties for firefighters:- Responding to calls about fires to extinguish live flames
- Conducting recovery missions to rescue people from areas that are on fire
- Administering emergency medical care
- Using hoses and fire hydrants to direct water and put out flames
- Driving a fire truck and operating the horn, ladder and other features
How to become a firefighter
Here are some steps you can use to start your career as a firefighter:1. Ensure you have a high school diploma or GED
The first step in becoming a firefighter is to secure a high school diploma or GED, which is typically the minimum education requirement for the job. Depending on where you want to work, other basic requirements to become a firefighter could include the following:- Meeting the minimum and maximum age requirement (generally 18-35 years old)
- Having a valid driver's license
- Passing a background check
2. Consider a college degree
After finishing high school or earning a GED, consider pursuing a college degree. While most firefighters can secure jobs without degrees, having one might increase your chances of getting a job. Completing an associate or bachelor's degree can allow you to study important concepts you can use in your career and develop your skills through practical applications and assignments. Most aspiring firefighters major in fire science, as this can provide insight into working with fires. You can also major in a subject like paramedic science, as long as you take courses in fire science.Related: Do You Need To Attend College To Be a Firefighter?3. Improve your physical fitness
As most fire departments require candidates to pass a physical exam and ability test before starting work as firefighters, focusing on your physical fitness can be beneficial. As a firefighter, you'll need to be able to carry equipment, raise ladders and safely remove citizens from fire hazards.Try working out at a gym or facility with exercise equipment like a friend's house or a community center to improve your physical fitness. You can also take fitness classes to enhance particular skills and muscles, like weight training classes.4. Determine whether you need certification
Some fire departments also ask for candidates to have emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Medical certifications can help make sure that all new firefighters have the skills to assist people who need immediate medical attention after emergencies. The exact requirements for certification as a firefighter can vary, depending on where you live, so do research to determine which specific certifications you might need. Most firefighters who get certified pursue the EMT certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.Related: 7 Firefighter Certifications and How To Get Them5. Attend a fire academy
After securing any certifications, apply to a fire academy. Many aspiring firefighters attend an academy after they get hired by a particular fire department, but you can also complete one before submitting job applications. Attending a fire academy can set you ahead of other candidates by preparing you for the specific job duties a firefighter has, like using special equipment and performing emergency response tactics. After completing a fire academy, you can receive the Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications, which qualify you to work professionally as a firefighter.Related: FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Become a Firefighter?6. Apply for jobs as a firefighter
Once you graduate from a fire academy, you can apply for firefighter jobs. If you want to complete an academy with the department you'll be working for, you can also wait until after you get hired. In most cases, applying to work as a firefighter involves submitting an application to a department, completing a thorough interview and passing physical and written exams. You can typically find openings for firefighters online using job search websites or search engines.Here are a few firefighter jobs to consider applying for:Related: 10 Firefighter Job Types (Plus Salaries)Prepare for interviews with practice questions and tips
Salary and job outlook for a firefighter
The national average salary for a firefighter is currently $50,993 per year. Some firefighters can earn more, depending on where they live. For example, firefighters who work in Columbus, Ohio, can make an average of $174,934 per year, while those who live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can earn an average of $45,226 per year. These professionals also typically receive employee benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and access to employee assistance programs.According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of people working as firefighters is expected to rise by 4% from 2021 to 2031, a bit lower than the average of 5% for all occupations. The BLS says this growth might result from a need for firefighters to respond to emergencies, especially in locations experiencing increased numbers of wildfires. The BLS also notes that more positions will open when current firefighters retire or pursue other career paths.Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
Firefighters
Explore more articles
- 30 In-Demand Jobs in South Carolina (With Salaries)
- 110 HCA Interview Questions to Help You Prepare (With Example Answers)
- How To Get the CMHP Certification in 3 Steps
- 41 Urban Planning Degree Jobs
- How To Write a Career Goal Statement in 6 Steps (With Tips)
- 14 Reasons Why You're Not Getting Interviews
- 26 Highest-Paying Jobs in New Jersey (With Average Salaries)
- 7 Strategies for Returning a Missed Call About a Job
- How To Write a Goodbye Email to Coworkers (With 5 Templates)
- Becoming an Aesthetic Nurse: A Guide (With Salary)
- 18 Jobs You Can Do With a Real Estate License
- 5 Top Critical Thinking Skills (And How To Improve Them)