What does a Firefighter do?
A firefighter is responsible for protecting the public in various dangerous situations. They are responsible for ensuring that a fire is put out as well as responding to other emergency situations. A few of the main duties of a firefighter are developing performing CPR, providing emergency services, responding to fire alarms, and putting out fires in buildings. They also have to participate in public safety announcements and training. Some of the jobs titles that a firefighter could grow into are fire protection engineer and firefighter shift captain.
A firefighter should have two years of experience as well as a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. One of the most important skills that a firefighter will have is the ability to remain calm under pressure. Another skill is problem solving as the firefighter will have to be able to fix problems quickly under pressure.
- Respond to fire alarms quickly
- Participate in public safety announcements and training
- Write reports of incidents that take place
- Give CPR to people in need
- Perform salvage operations after a fire
- Support other medical personnel on a call
- Perform fire inspections on houses and buildings
- Perform fire drills to practice for emergency events
- No experience necessary but preferred
- EMT certified preferred
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Incredible problem solving abilities
- Amazing physical strength
- Ability to pass a medical exam
- Ability to create reports for superiors
- Excellent communications skills
- Willing to go the extra mile to save a person's life
How much does a Firefighter make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$49,601
/ yrFirefighter Career Path
Learn how to become a Firefighter, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Firefighter Insights
Dust Busters Plus“Entry level trainings are probably some of the best for a private company in the area.”
“Good people trying to do the best they can with what they have to protect their town.”
City of Isle of Palms“IOPFD are a great group of guys to work with some of the best in the business.”
US Navy“It is a stable job that pays well once you get higher up in rank that is largely based on team play and networking.”
“Not much Work affective and good support”
SFRS“None really best job in the world not many get the opportunity to help others in a way we do as firefighters.”
Washington State Department of Natural Resources“Great pay and fun to work for.”
“Poor pay and unlikely to get better.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Firefighter
When working as a Firefighter, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Reviews, Leadership, First Aid, Operational Excellence, and Customer Focus.
- Police Officer
- Security Officer
- Police Sergeant
- Correctional Officer
The most common qualifications to become a Firefighter include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.