Firefighters

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.

$59,530
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+3% projected 2024โ€“2034
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Firefighters respond to emergency calls involving fires, medical crises, car accidents, and natural disasters. When responding to a fire, they connect hoses to hydrants, operate pumps, position ladders, and enter burning buildings to rescue people and extinguish flames. Between emergency calls, they maintain their equipment, inspect fire extinguishers and hoses, conduct building safety inspections, and participate in ongoing physical fitness training and emergency drills. They also clean and service their fire trucks and living quarters at the station.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Fire Protection(bachelors)Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, IL
$104,017
Fire Protection(bachelors)Waldorf University, IA
$97,731
Fire Protection(associates)Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, OH
$91,944
Fire Protection(associates)North Shore Community College, MA
$90,948
Fire Protection(bachelors)Purdue University Global, IN
$89,622
Fire Protection(bachelors)University of Florida-Online, FL
$86,740
Fire Protection(bachelors)University of Florida, FL
$86,740
Fire Protection(bachelors)Columbia Southern University, AL
$82,718
Fire Protection(bachelors)Anna Maria College, MA
$81,637
Fire Protection(certificate)Southwestern Illinois College, IL
$77,935
Fire Protection(associates)Waldorf University, IA
$76,032
Fire Protection(bachelors)Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, OK
$75,503
Fire Protection(associates)Columbia Southern University, AL
$75,326
Fire Protection(bachelors)American Public University System, WV
$73,302
Fire Protection(associates)Purdue University Global, IN
$70,749
Fire Protection(bachelors)Fayetteville State University, NC
$67,586
Fire Protection(bachelors)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, FL
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Gardner-Webb University, NC
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Holy Family University, PA
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Lake Superior State University, MI
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Lewis-Clark State College, ID
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Columbia College, SC
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)East Georgia State College, GA
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL
$67,102
Fire Protection(bachelors)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO
$67,102

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