Firefighter FAQ

Most departments require or strongly prefer EMT certification because many calls are medical emergencies.

Career positions are competitive. Strong fitness, EMT or paramedic certification, volunteer experience and a clean background improve your chances.

Many work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 or 72 hours off, though schedules vary by department.

The median annual wage for firefighters was $59,280 ($28.50 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $101,040.

Most people need about 6–12 months (EMT + academy) of training. Most departments require a high school diploma, EMT certification, passing a written exam and a physical ability test (such as the CPAT), and completing a fire academy for Firefighter I and II certification. Some require paramedic certification or college credit.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +3.7% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 26,800 openings each year. Upsides include meaningful, respected work; a common challenge is that dangerous work with exposure to smoke and carcinogens.

Key technical skills include fire suppression, emergency medical care, scba use, and ladders, hose and pump operations. Employers also value teamwork, courage and composure, and physical fitness.

Common credentials include Firefighter I and II, EMT or Paramedic, Hazmat Awareness and Operations, and CPAT. Firefighter certification is managed by state fire training agencies, typically based on NFPA standards. EMT and paramedic licenses come from state EMS offices.