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Also known as: Airport Firefighter, Apparatus Operator, Crash Fire Firefighter, Fire Alarm Operator
You arrive at the fire station, a mix of quiet readiness and the lingering smell of diesel. Your relief gives you the rundown before you head to your bunk and gear locker. You pull on your station uniform, then check your turnout gear—your bunker pants, jacket, boots, and helmet—making sure everything is where it should be. The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) on the truck gets a quick pressure check. This 24-hour shift officially begins, and the station already hums with quiet activity as the new crew settles in.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+3.7%
US average: +3.5%
26,800
per year (US)
355,300
in 2025 → 368,400 (2035)
Postsecondary nondegree award
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for firefighters is stable, with about 26,800 job openings projected each year through 2035. Employment is expected to grow by 3.7%. The median annual wage for firefighters is about $59,280.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$59,280
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Critical Incident Response/Special Police Operations
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Protective Services Operations
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Homeland Security
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Police Academy
Vocational • Law & Public Administration • 1 year
Healthcare Assistance
Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 1 year
Health and Welfare
Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 2 years