Qualifications for a Fireman
Firefighters work in a challenging occupation that demands keen knowledge and skill to navigate the emergency situations they must face on a routine basis. Because of the complex nature of their work, firefighters are not expected to be qualified to fight fires at the time of their hiring. Instead, they must meet more basic qualifications to be hired and then meet additional training qualifications before they begin to actively go out on calls.
Firefighters earned a median pay of $52,500 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with job growth expected to be approximately 8 percent through 2030 (about the same as all other industries). You can get a much better idea of what you might earn in your state or metro area using sites like Salary.com, ZipRecruiter or Indeed to check out current firefighter salary data.
Typical Education Requirements
Fire departments typically require that new recruits have at least a high school degree. However, an associate's or bachelor's degree are becoming increasingly important for gaining promotions to senior positions. You can look for fire science or training programs at your local community college or trade school.
Some departments require a bachelor's degree to become an assistant chief or chief of a department. Firefighters with college degrees might also earn higher salaries than those without one. College degrees that are a fit for firefighting careers include fire engineering, fire science and public administration. In addition, firefighters who seek certification as an executive fire officer from the National Fire Academy must have at least an associate's degree.
Testing for Firefighter Jobs
Firefighters typically must pass a variety of rigorous physical tests before a department will hire them, according to jobs website, Indeed.com. If you know the specific city or department you want to work for, contact them in advance to find out their firefighter physical requirements.
Owing to the demands that fighting fires can have on a body, fire departments place an emphasis on new recruits meeting certain physical qualifications. An aspiring firefighter who is physically deficient for the job could put himself and others at risk.
Physical testing includes both basic medical exams and fitness testing. In addition, aspiring firefighters must pass a drug test. The first test many firefighters encounter is a multiple-choice written exam designed to test potential recruits' problem-solving aptitude and general intelligence. It does not measure knowledge of firefighting.
Training for This Work
Once applicants have met a fire department's education requirement and passed the required tests, they must navigate the training process to begin serving as firefighters. Training scenarios vary among departments, but they all serve to prepare recruits to tackle the difficult task of putting out fires in a range of situations.
Some large departments manage their own training programs, while others send new hires to state or regional academies. Training covers firefighting, fire-prevention, building codes and proper techniques for using the tools of the trade, such as high-powered hoses, ladders, axes and chain saws.
Emergency Rescue Training
A firefighter's responsibilities are not limited to putting out fires. They also serve as emergency personnel who sometimes are first on the scene to handle medical rescue cases. For that reason, firefighters must have extensive emergency medicine training. In many departments, firefighters must be certified as emergency medical technicians.
Other departments take an additional step and require their firefighters to be certified as paramedics. This training prepares firefighters to act quickly when responding to emergencies.
Tom Gresham is a freelance writer and public relations specialist who has been writing professionally since 1999. His articles have appeared in "The Washington Post," "Virginia Magazine," "Vermont Magazine," "Adirondack Life" and the "Southern Arts Journal," among other publications. He graduated from the University of Virginia.