Pathway: Engineering Technology
Job: Firefighter
Job Description
Firefighters put out fires, treat injuries and respond to other emergencies such as a car accident. They connect hose lines, operate pumps, position ladders, rescue victims, ventilate areas and salvage the contents of buildings. They also must clean and maintain fire equipment and perform inspections. Firefighters also receive training in emergency medical procedures.
Necessary Education
High School Diploma
Completion of training and/or apprenticeship program
Helpful High School Courses
Science, Health, Physical Education, Psychology
Working Conditions
- Work in a variety of settings and a variety of hours
- Work in shifts averaging 50 hours per week
- Much time spent at fire stations
- Work involves risk of death or injury
- Work is very stressful and strenuous
- Work involves contact with smoke, flames, poisonous and explosive gases and chemicals
Salary Range
- 2003,
National average annual salary,
$38,810
- 2003,
National average hourly wage,
$18.66
Career Ladder Information
- Large fire departments have accredited apprenticeship programs that last up to 5 years
- May attend training at the US National Fire Academy
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Fire Engineering or Fire Science increases earnings and advancement opportunities
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Are physically fit with endurance and strength
- Have mental alertness
- Have mechanical aptitude
- Have a sense of public service
- Are dependable and able to get along well with others
- Have self-discipline
- Have sense of courage
- Are drug free
Did you know?
- An elite group of firefighters called Smoke Jumpers work for national forests and parks and are required to parachute from planes to reach inaccessible areas
Additional Information
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