How to Become a Firefighter
Respond when lives and property are at risk: fight fires, run rescues, and handle medical emergencies. It typically requires a postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $59,280 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$59,280/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
27,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Fire Suppression
- Emergency Response
- Physical Fitness
- Teamwork
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- Firefighter I/II
- EMT certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
null/100
Work-life balance
null/100
Stress level
null/100
Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Detective / Criminal Investigator$93,790 median
- Emergency Management Director$93,330 median
- Forensic Science Technician$72,060 median
- Probation Officer$66,270 median
- Paralegal$62,890 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Firefighter make?
The median pay for a Firefighter is $59,280 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Firefighter?
The usual entry point is a postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, and Public Administration.
Is Firefighter a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 27,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Firefighter use most?
Common skills for this role are Fire Suppression, Emergency Response, Physical Fitness, Teamwork, and Critical Thinking.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.