Salary Range
$25,000 to $100,000Overview
Firefighters protect people's lives and property from the hazards of fire and other emergencies. They provide this protection by fighting fires to prevent property damage and by rescuing people trapped or injured by fires or other accidents. Through inspections and safety education, firefighters also work to prevent fires and unsafe conditions that could result in dangerous, life-threatening situations. They assist in many types of emergencies and disasters in everyday life. Although in many rural areas firefighters serve on a volunteer basis, this article is mainly concerned with describing full-time career firefighters. There are approximately 332,400 paid firefighters working in the United States. Approximately 4 percent are women, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Minimum Education Level
High School DiplomaCertification/License
RecommendedOutlook
About as Fast as the AveragePersonality Traits
Athletic
Conventional
Helpful
Career Ladder
Fire Chief
Fire Captain
Fire Inspector or Fire Investigator
Firefighter
Ladder or Hose Handler
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