The job market for firefighters in the United States

There are currently an estimated 344,900 firefighters in the United States. The firefighter job market is expected to grow by 3.4% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are firefighters?

CareerExplorer rates firefighters with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 11,800 firefighters.

Are firefighters in demand?

This field is forecasted to remain very competitive, with the number of people interested in becoming firefighters outweighing the number of available positions in most areas. Applicants who are physically fit, have paramedic training, have top scores on physical conditioning and mechanical aptitude exams, and have at least some postsecondary training will be most in demand. Most new jobs will be created as small communities grow and augment their volunteer staffs with career firefighters. There are also growing numbers of 'paid-on-call' (POC) firefighters who are paid only when responding to fires. Some local governments are expected to contract for firefighting services with private companies. In some fire departments, the hours of each work shift have been shortened and two people may be employed to cover that which is normally a one person shift. Most job growth will occur as volunteer firefighting departments are converted to paid positions. Layoffs of firefighters are uncommon, given the essential nature of fire protection to communities.

What’s the supply of firefighters?

The firefighter industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Florida

Firefighter job market by state