Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need?

Applicants for municipal fire fighting jobs generally must pass a written exam; tests of strength, physical stamina, coordination, and agility; and a medical examination that includes drug screening. Workers may be monitored on a random basis for drug use after accepting employment. Examinations are generally open to persons who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school education or the equivalent. Those who receive the highest scores in all phases of testing have the best chances for appointment.

Are there any special traits that employers look for when hiring?

There are many applicants for fire protection positions. If you are interested in this career field, you may want to consider activities that may increase your competitiveness:

• Obtain a good educational foundation in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Consider team sports, scouting, and R.O.P. (firefighting programs).
• Although not required, you may be more competitive if you have taken some of these college classes: First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Wildland Fire Control, Introduction to Fire Technology, Fire Science, or Fire Officer classes (Fire Command, Fire Investigation, Fire Prevention, Fire Instructor, Fire Management).
• In addition to taking specialized college classes, take general education classes to improve your skills, and take business or related courses to enhance your competitiveness for management positions.
• Participate in aerobic conditioning and weight training.
• Become a volunteer firefighter to help you decide if this is the career for you, and to give you job-related experience.

How difficult is it to get ahead in a fire department?

After completion of three years of permanent, full-time experience as a Fire Apparatus Engineer and successful completion of the apprenticeship program, employees may take the promotional Fire Captain examination. A Fire Captain supervises the work of one or more engine companies or hand crews and shares in the management of a fire station, or is assigned to one of a variety of specialty assignments such as air attack, prevention/law enforcement, conservation camp, emergency command center, or training. After three years at the Fire Captain level, employees may take the promotional examination to become a Battalion Chief.

How is this industry doing right now?

Prospective fire fighters are expected to face keen competition for available job openings. Many people are attracted to fire fighting because (1) it is challenging and provides the opportunity to perform an essential public service, (2) a high school education is usually sufficient for entry, and (3) a pension is guaranteed upon retirement after 25 years. Consequently, the number of qualified applicants in most areas exceeds the number of job openings, even though the written examination and physical requirements eliminate many applicants. This situation is expected to continue in coming years.

What is the prognosis for the future?

Employment of fire fighters is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Most job growth will occur as volunteer fire fighting positions are converted to paid positions in growing suburban areas. In addition to job growth, openings are expected to result from the need to replace fire fighters who retire, stop working for other reasons, or transfer to other occupations.

I already work in the industry. Can your classes help me?

Most experienced fire fighters continue studying to improve their job performance and prepare for promotion examinations.

What are salaries like in the industry?

Median hourly earnings of fire fighters were $18.43 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $13.65 and $24.14. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.71, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $29.21. Median hourly earnings were $18.78 in local government, $17.34 in the Federal Government, and $14.94 in State government.

Is it necessary to go to school to get a job in this industry?

For promotion to positions higher than battalion chief, many fire departments now require a bachelor's degree, preferably in fire science, public administration, or a related field. An associate's degree is required for executive fire officer certification from the National Fire Academy.

Which sectors of the industry are growing most rapidly?

Most job growth will occur as volunteer fire fighting positions are converted to paid positions in growing suburban areas.

Do any jobs in this industry require certification?

Almost all departments require fire fighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians. While most fire departments require the lowest level of certification, EMT-Basic, larger departments in major metropolitan areas are increasingly requiring paramedic certification.