How much does a firefighter make?

At the station, firefighters check trucks and gear, drill, exercise, and clean; alarms send them to fires, crashes, or medical emergencies. They rescue and treat people, then restock gear and write reports during long shifts.

Did you know? In 2020, fewer than 4% of U.S. fire department calls were actual fires; most were medical or rescue calls.

In the U.S., finish high school, earn EMT certification if required, and apply at 18 or older with a driver’s license; pass written, fitness, and medical checks. Then complete fire academy training and probation; rules vary by department.

School needed: High school plus some training

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, pay can rise with experience or promotion, and some departments pay extra for credentials such as paramedic certification. Location and whether the employer is local, state, or federal matter too; long shifts and overtime can affect total pay.