⭐ Bright Outlook
Firefighters
O*NET 33-2011.00 · SOC 33-2011
Projected Growth
+4%
2024–2034
Median Salary
$57k
per year
Annual Openings
23k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)
What You'd Actually Do
- →Respond to fire and emergency calls
- →Operate firefighting equipment
- →Conduct search and rescue operations
- →Perform building inspections
- →Maintain equipment and vehicles
Education & How to Get In
📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)
Most Firefighters positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Work Environment
Primary Setting
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Work Style
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Firefighters involves a mix of core responsibilities:
MorningRespond to fire and emergency calls
MiddayOperate firefighting equipment
AfternoonConduct search and rescue operations
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Realistic (Doers)6.5
Conventional (Organizers)3.5
Social (Helpers)3.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.0
Investigative (Thinkers)2.9
Artistic (Creators)1.3
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