What It Is
Responds to fires, medical emergencies, and rescues as part of a municipal or county fire department.
Best For
Physically fit people drawn to public service, teamwork, and high-stakes emergency response.
Avoid If
You cannot pass rigorous physical fitness tests or work rotating 24-hour shifts.
Degree Required
No degree required, though EMT certification and fire academy completion are mandatory.
Skills Needed
Physical fitness, teamwork, calm decision-making under pressure, basic medical knowledge.
Training Path
EMT-Basic certification, pass a physical ability test (CPAT), attend a fire academy after being hired or as a prerequisite (varies by department).
Certs / Licenses
State firefighter certification (often Firefighter I/II); EMT or Paramedic certification.
Time to First Job
6-12 months of prerequisite training/certification before hiring is competitive.
Cost to Enter
$1,000-$5,000 for EMT certification and academy prep (some departments pay academy costs for hires).
Income Range
General estimate: $42,000-$55,000 entry-level, $65,000-$90,000+ with seniority/rank. Verify local data.
First Job Titles
Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter Recruit.
Companies Hiring
Municipal and county fire departments, some private/contract fire services.
Best Next Step
Get EMT-Basic certified first, since most departments require it, then apply during open hiring windows.
Real Training Providers Near You
- West Chicago Fire Protection District Regional Training Facility – West Chicago, Illinois (5★, 3 reviews)
- Fire Officer Training Academy – Secaucus, New Jersey (5★, 2 reviews)
- FDNY Fire Academy – New York, New York (4.9★, 17 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.