⭐ Bright Outlook

Firefighters

O*NET 33-2011.00 · SOC 33-2011

Projected Growth
+4%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$59k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
23k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Respond to fire and emergency calls
  • Operate firefighting equipment
  • Conduct search and rescue operations
  • Perform building inspections
  • Maintain equipment and vehicles

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Firefighters positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Firefighters? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Firefighters involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningRespond to fire and emergency calls
MiddayOperate firefighting equipment
AfternoonConduct search and rescue operations

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)6.5
Conventional (Organizers)3.5
Social (Helpers)3.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.0
Investigative (Thinkers)2.9
Artistic (Creators)1.3

Who Thrives as Firefighter?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonESTPThe DynamoISTJThe InspectorESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the free 5-minute quiz →

See Open Firefighters Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Is Firefighters right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the free quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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