Firefighters are often viewed by the public as heroes of the city.  Hard work, life threatening situations, and long hours are required to maintain this status and maintain the safety of those we protect.  Becoming a firefighter is not an easy endeavor, and it can take years even for a good candidate to get a job as a firefighter.  Requirements are stringent, the screening process is extremely detailed, and the turnover rate in fire departments in consistently one of the lowest in any sector.   So, it is best to prepare yourself early for the requirements of becoming a firefighter to give yourself the best chances possible to start your new career.

Firefighter Salary

 

The average firefighter salary is $52,000 per year.  Oftentimes, new firefighters will start at a lower wage while on a probationary period.  It is often a misinterpretation that firefighter get paid a low salary because you cannot simply look at the rate per hour.  Most firefighters get a base salary, an automatic 6 hours of overtime per pay period, and quite a bit of overtime.  If low wages are stopping you from becoming a firefighter, remember to factor in all the different wages you will receive.

Steps to Complete before Becoming a Firefighter

 

• Find out what firefighters do.  Visit your local fire station and ask if they allow citizens to do a ride-along.  This is a great way to see if becoming a firefighter is a good fit for you.
• Ensure you are in top physical condition.  This includes both strength and stamina.  You will need the strength to do the routine tasks and the stamina to make it through long hours.
• Don’t limit yourself to physical strength and stamina, but also prepare yourself mentally as best as you can.  Firefighters see some of the most devastating things a human can see.
• Take CPR classes and other various medical training to help your resume look better while also giving you the valuable knowledge you will need when becoming a firefighter.  A candidate who shows preparedness by voluntarily training before they get the job will look much better than a candidate who has no training or experience.

Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter

 

Requirements vary by state for becoming a firefighter, but these are the most common standardized requirements:

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Hold a current and valid driver’s license
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Be in top physical condition
• Pass a vision and hearing exam
• Pass a physical
• Pass a physical and written exam
• Have a clean driving record
• Have no felonies or misdemeanors on your record
• Have the ability to manage high levels of stress and remain calm even in the most stressful conditions

Additional requirements are typically not mandatory for becoming a firefighter, but they may very well propel you to being a top candidate.  These often include:

• Taking a minimum of 15 units of college credits in fire courses
• Hold an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field.
• Be a resident of the city or county you are applying in

Typical Firefighter Job Description

 

The daily job description after becoming a firefighter is mostly the same wherever you work.  These duties include:

• Fighting fires of all varieties including houses, automobiles, and forest fires
• Remove victims from dangerous situations like a burning building or automobile
• Provide medical support to victims
• Assist in traffic accidents
• Providing detailed investigations of fires after they are extinguished.  This can include whether or not the fire was set purposefully or not.
• Educate the local community about potential fire hazards and how to become safer.
• Attending different trainings and stay up to date on all medical and fire training.
• Operate fire equipment like a fire truck, fire hose, and fire hydrants.

Distinguishing Yourself from Other Firefighters

 

If you visit your local city or county’s website, you will more than likely a salary schedule for the employees.  This is much easier to find for a local government than a corporation because the local governments are required by law to provide a salary schedule for each and every position.  Take a look at the salaries for the entry-level firefighting positions all the way to the fire chief.  What you will quickly notice is that as you climb the ladder you will make substantially more money. To help distinguish yourself after becoming a firefighter, ensure you are doing the following:

• Follow orders of those who have authority over you.  Do not say no (unless in a very rare situation where it is warranted) and only ask why if you truly want to learn about why you are doing something.  Never simply ask “why do I have to do this?”
• Be a good team player.  Firefighting is all about teamwork and being able to work well with a team will make you stand out.
• Do not put yourself or others in life-threatening situations unless no other options are available
• Participate in community service activities.  Firefighters work many hours in a row but oftentimes have many days off in a row.  With a portion of your time, help give back to the community while also making yourself look more valuable in the eyes of your bosses
• Volunteer for the jobs that no one else wants to do.  This is true in many professions and can help you quickly rise through the firefighter positions all the way to fire chief.

What to do now?

 

Start with the steps previously outlined and help distinguish yourself.  A typical firefighter position gets hundreds of applicants, but you must realize most of these applicants will be weeded out almost immediately.  Make sure your resume is up to date and you are completing the necessary training and obtaining the skills needed before you even apply to become a firefighter.  If you have a friend or even a friend-of-a-friend that is a firefighter, see if you can meet with them and help understand what exactly is needed to become a firefighter.  Have faith in yourself and prepare yourself well for your new career.