Salary of a Fire Fighter
Firefighting is a dangerous job with long and irregular hours. Fire fighters have a range of responsibilities in addition to putting out fires. The majority of calls to which they respond are medical emergencies. Often first on the scene of a medical emergency or accident, fire fighters may be required to treat injuries and perform basic first aid.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education and Training
-
Though not required, an increasing number of new fire fighter applicants have some post-secondary education. Completion of a two- or four-year degree in fire engineering or fire science may enhance an individual’s chance for a job. Recruits initially undergo a training period during which they participate in both classroom and practical instruction. Recruits are assigned to a fire company upon successful completion of their training. During this phase they will be under probation. The apprenticeship method is an important part of training to be a fire fighter. Some fire departments have apprenticeship programs that last up to four years.
Earnings
-
According to Salary.com, the U.S. national average for a firefighter ranged from a low of $21,472 to a high of $60,733 annually. The majority of firefighters can anticipate earning between $30,827 and $51,377 per year. Though the pay may not seem overly generous, fire fighters are usually guaranteed a pension after 25 years of service.
-
Statistics
-
Based on data from Payscale, men hold the overwhelming majority, 97 percent, of positions in this physically demanding job. Almost half of all firefighters have between five and 20 years experience. Education makes a big difference in a firefighter’s career. Individuals with an Associate of Applied Science, AAS, can earn over 50 percent more income than those firefighters with only a high school diploma. Health benefits are very common among firefighters, with 90 percent having medical benefits.
Considerations
-
Firefighters work in various industries including government, emergency medical services, public safety, fire department and military. Individuals employed in the highest paying industry, such as government, can expect to earn more than 15 percent than their counterparts in emergency medical services. Generally it’s the cities along the West Coast and upper East Coast that pays firefighters the best. However, cities in southern states seem to be most popular among firefighters.
Outlook
-
The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees faster than average job growth in this field. However, competition will be intense as these positions are highly pursued by new applicants. Most job growth will come from the conversion of volunteer positions into paid positions. It is becoming increasingly difficult for volunteer fire departments to recruit and keep their volunteers. A considerable amount of time, and a great deal of training, is required for a volunteer fire fighting job.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Kotie Van Wyk/iStockphoto/Getty Images
