Is The Firefighter Salary Worth All The Risks?

If you are interested in an honored job, you can consider becoming a firefighter. You will be one of the most important community members. People who do not work in this sphere can’t even imagine the huge scope of work firefighters/paramedics have to face on a daily basis. It is the right career choice if you are not afraid of fighting fires, responding to urgent medical situations, providing first aid to victims, assisting during traffic incidents/accidents, and providing safety during people’s gatherings. Are you ready to become a professional firefighter? We recommend you go to your local fire department and ask for all the needed information. You must be ready to do the training course in a fire academy or college. Every state and educational institution have their qualifications and requirements. You will find a lot of tips in this article to be well informed when you just start your firefighter career.

Average Firefighter Salary by US States

Speaking about the average wage of a firefighter, you can expect to earn $53,240 per year. We take this data from the official website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics. In our opinion, this job should be paid much more as everyday tasks put your life in danger and risk losing your life fulfilling your duty, and saving the lives of other victims of the fire. Things are getting more positive when you find out that an average firefighter’s salary is not the same in all US states. Your final income will depend on the state where you make the decision to work and live. Below, you can see a table with some US states and the average firefighter paramedic salary, where there is the biggest demand for firefighters and many vacancies.

What Skills/Knowledge Does a Firefighter Need to Cope With His Role?

• Learning deep knowledge of security/public safety;
• Mastering customer service skills;
• Being able to handle criticism;
• Being able to perform your duties under pressure;
• Handling stressful situations and being patient;
• Paying attention to any details and be thorough in your actions;
• Feeling compassion to people and ability to understand;
• Public speaking skills to deliver essential information to people;
• Being an excellent team member;
• Mastering PC skills to handle administrative tasks;

What Requirements Does a firefighter Might Face?

• the necessity to pass a medical/fitness tests;
• you will have to undergo your background check;
• you must have a driving license;
• the minimum age to start a job is 18 years old.

How to Become a Pro-firefighter?

• Start volunteering

If you are confident to start working as a firefighter, you can go to a local department and offer your volunteering services. You can be sure there will be a lot of tasks for you. Most probably you will start with community service. At this stage, you will earn no money but you will build a nice CV. Besides, it is an excellent opportunity for building many professional contacts, introducing yourself as a devoted person, and demonstrating your true motivation to serve people and save their lives.

• Start a professional training

Do you realize that as a firefighter you will have to work under permanent stress? That is why your physical state is the top priority compared to many other professions. We encourage you to get in shape as fast as possible! Every entry-level firefighter has to pass a serious fit exam. It is a good idea to attend CPR class at the Red Cross Organization. Besides, if you are the holder of a Red Cross Card you increase your chances to get a well-paid job. 

• Obtain a degree in Fire Science

Make sure you are aware of the main requirements when you apply for a job. Most hiring organizations expect you to have practical or volunteering experience. Fire training is another mandatory condition. There are many essential skills to learn when it is the time to work with fire and investigate different situations that cause the fire. 

Fire training includes the following:

• How to suppress fire with different apparatus?
• How to evacuate structures and victims?
• How to operate pump engines/emergency vehicles?
• How to use professional equipment?
• How to educate kids and adults?

How To Boost Your Firefighter Wage?

The only efficient way to boost your wage while working as a firefighter is to keep on advancing your professional level, continuing education, and gaining experience.  When you apply for your first job, you should ask your employer about your future promotion and what it requires. A dedicated firefighter never stops his training. When there is free time, you should devote it to getting professional certifications or diplomas in any higher educational institution. Mastering fire science, you’ll boost your professional ranking, responsibilities, and wage. Your dream should be to become the fire chief!