What does a firefighter do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Firefighters respond to emergencies, put out fires, rescue people and give emergency medical care. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, followed by a fire academy lasting a few months. Most calls are for medical emergencies rather than fires, so many departments require EMT or paramedic certification.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 33-2011.00 (Firefighters) |
| Typical entry-level education | High school diploma or equivalent (BLS Quick Facts lists a postsecondary nondegree award) |
| Training | Fire academy, then a probationary period; long-term on-the-job training |
| Licensing | Varies by state or locality; some jobs require EMT or paramedic certification |
| Median annual wage | $59,280 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent, 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average) |
| Number of jobs | 355,300 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 26,800 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a firefighter do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Respond to emergencies.
- Drive firetrucks and other emergency vehicles.
- Put out fires with hoses, extinguishers and water pumps.
- Find and rescue people in burning buildings or other emergencies.
- Treat sick or injured people.
- Write reports on emergency incidents.
- Clean and maintain equipment.
- Run drills on rescue tactics, equipment use and medical treatment.
Most calls to firefighters are for medical emergencies rather than fires. Hazmat-trained firefighters handle oil spills and chemical accidents, wildland firefighters build fire lines and set prescribed fires, and smoke jumpers parachute into remote areas.
Work environment
Local government (excluding education and hospitals) employs 87 percent of firefighters, other support services 5 percent and state government 4 percent. These figures exclude volunteer firefighters, who are most common in communities under 25,000 people. Schedules are shift based and the work is physically demanding and can be dangerous.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typical. Postsecondary instruction is usually needed for EMT certification, and EMT requirements vary by city and state.
- Training: Recruits attend a fire academy for a few months and then usually complete a probationary period. Wildland firefighter apprenticeships can last up to 4 years.
- Licensing and certification: Requirements vary by state or locality. Some jobs require EMT or paramedic certification, and some require a commercial driver's license or a firefighter endorsement.
- Other requirements: Applicants are typically at least 18, hold a valid driver's license, and must pass written and physical tests, an interview, a medical exam and a drug screen.
Skills that matter
The OOH names communication skills, compassion, decision-making skills, mental preparedness, physical stamina and physical strength. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do firefighters make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,280 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,910 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,040. Pay depends heavily on the local department, rank and overtime, so check the posting for the department you are applying to.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, as fast as the average for all occupations, a gain of 13,100 jobs, with about 26,800 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Check the requirements for your target department. Age, driver's license, written and physical tests, medical exam and drug screen are typical, and each department publishes its own process.
- Get EMT certification if it is required or preferred. Postsecondary instruction is usually needed, and requirements differ by city and state.
- Prepare for the physical test. Physical stamina and strength are named qualities, so build them well before test day.
- Write a clear resume. Lead with certifications, community service and any related experience. If you are new to the workforce, see our no experience resume guide, and if you are switching careers, see career change resume.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Emts and paramedics; fire inspectors and investigators; forest and conservation workers; hazardous materials removal workers; police and detectives.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to be a firefighter? No. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, followed by fire academy training of a few months.
Do firefighters need to be EMTs? Some jobs require EMT or paramedic certification, and requirements vary by state and locality.
How long is fire academy? Recruits attend a fire academy for a few months and then usually complete a probationary period.
Are firefighters in demand? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, as fast as average, with about 26,800 openings a year.
Related guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Firefighters: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Firefighters (33-2011.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-2011.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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