Paid on Call Firefighters' Salaries
Firefighters typically work around 50 hours a week, and many employers require they be on call for a 24-hour period, followed by a 48-hour period of being off call, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These firefighters put their lives at risk every time they’re on call, and must immediately respond to any emergency call at any hour. Salaries for paid on-call firefighters vary based on their employer and location.
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Salaries
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Salaries for paid on-call firefighters began at less than $23,050 in the 10th percentile as of 2010, according to the bureau. Wages were less than $31,990 in the 25th percentile and the median income was $45,250. Firefighters earned an average salary of $47,730, with those in the 75th percentile earning over $59,900 and those in the 90th percentile earning over $75,390.
Employer
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The majority of paid on-call firefighters worked for the government as of 2010, according to the bureau. Local governments employed the highest level, offering a salary average of $48,370 a year. State governments offered an average of $42,880, and the federal government offered an average of $48,990. Firefighters working in the industry of support services earned an average of $40,040 a year, and those working in ambulatory health care services earned an average of $40,830.
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Location
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The bureau reports that Ohio had the highest concentration of jobs for paid on-call firefighters as of 2010 and offered a salary average of $42,350 a year. New Jersey was the highest paying state for these workers and offered a salary average of $71,310 annually. California and Washington followed with respective salary averages of $69,880 and $61,920. The highest paying area in the nation for paid on-call firefighters was Los Angeles, California, where the average was $95,000 a year.
Outlook
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The bureau predicts that job opportunities for paid on-call firefighters will increase by 19 percent between 2008 and 2018, a rate faster than the average rate for all jobs in the United States. Much of this growth is attributed to the fact that volunteer firefighting jobs are being converted into paid positions. While postsecondary education is not required to become a firefighter, competition for jobs will be keen and those who possess EMT or paramedic certification, as well as score high on both the physical and mechanical aptitude exams, will have the best chances.
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References
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