Firefighters are often seen as heroes who rush into burning buildings, but their role extends far beyond battling blazes. From responding to car crashes and medical emergencies to handling hazardous materials and providing public education, today’s firefighters are highly trained, all-hazard responders.
If you’re considering a career in fire service or just want to understand more about the job, here’s a breakdown of what firefighters really do, how the profession works, and how to get started.
What do firefighters do?
Firefighters respond to a wide variety of emergencies, not just fires. Their daily responsibilities can include:
- Emergency medical response (in many departments, firefighters are also EMTs or paramedics)
- Vehicle extrication and accident response
- Hazardous material containment
- Rescue operations (such as from water, confined spaces, or collapsed structures)
- Fire inspections and code enforcement
- Public education on fire safety and prevention
When not on calls, firefighters clean and maintain equipment, participate in drills and training, inspect hydrants and buildings, and help with community outreach.
What hours do firefighters work?
Firefighters often work long shifts, commonly 24 hours on, 48 or 72 hours off, depending on the department. Some urban departments may have different rotations or split shifts, such as 10- or 12-hour days, particularly for administrative or specialized roles.
What do volunteer firefighters do?
Volunteer firefighters — who make up 65-70% of the fire service workforce — perform many of the same duties as career firefighters but typically serve part-time and are not paid or are paid per call. Volunteer firefighters will:
- Respond to fires, crashes, and medical emergencies
- Attend training and drills
- Help with community events and fire prevention efforts
Volunteer departments are vital in rural and smaller communities across the U.S.
What is a firefighter’s salary?
Salaries can vary widely based on location, department size, and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for firefighters in 2023 was approximately $54,000, though some departments in high-cost areas pay upwards of $80,000–$100,000+ with overtime.
What are the benefits of being a firefighter?
Firefighters often receive:
- Pension and retirement plans
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Job stability and strong union representation
Perhaps most importantly, many firefighters cite camaraderie, purpose and service to their community as deeply fulfilling parts of the job.
How do I become a firefighter?
Becoming a firefighter without prior experience is possible by following a straightforward path. Begin by meeting the basic qualifications, such as having a high school diploma or GED, maintaining a clean background, and staying physically fit. Consider enrolling in fire science or emergency medical courses at a local community college to gain foundational knowledge. Volunteering or interning with a local fire department can offer valuable hands-on experience and help you build industry connections. Ultimately, completing a fire academy program is essential to develop the skills, techniques, and safety procedures required for a firefighting career.
What are the training requirements to become a firefighter?
Candidates must pass physical agility tests, meet NFPA medical standards and often undergo written and psychological evaluations. After academy graduation, recruits typically enter a probationary period of field training and must earn certification under NFPA 1001 standards. This process ensures firefighters are prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the job.
How long does it take to become a firefighter?
Becoming a career firefighter typically takes at least one year, often stretching to three to seven years, depending on various factors including education, certifications, department requirements, and hiring timelines. This timeline includes completing fire academy training, gaining EMT certification, passing exams (written, physical, psychological), and serving a probationary period.
For those aiming to be a volunteer firefighter, the process varies and may take several months, influenced by department training schedules and necessary certifications.
When do firefighters have to retire?
According to the Department of the Interior, federal firefighters must retire by age 57 if they have at least 20 years of covered service, a rule established to ensure they exit duty before physical performance significantly declines. Firefighters are also eligible for early voluntary retirement at age 50, provided they have 20 years of service, or at any age after 25 years of service.
While many municipal and private fire departments allow personnel to work into their 60s, some enforce a mandatory retirement age between 57 and 65, often influenced by department policies, physical fitness standards or pension eligibility timeline.
