To become a firefighter, meet the age, education and driver’s license requirements, get EMT training, apply and pass the written and physical tests, complete the interview, medical exam and drug screening and finish fire academy.
Most hiring is done by local fire departments, so the details vary.
AdvertisementBelow are the 7 steps, a requirements table, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) pay and job facts, resume tips and a checklist. These are national facts, so read each department’s posting for its own rules.
How to Become a Firefighter in 7 Steps
Quick jump: RequirementsEMT trainingTestsInterviewFire academyOn the jobCredentials
Step 1. Meet the Basic Requirements
You must be at least 18 and hold a valid driver’s license. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the entry-level requirement. Departments post their own rules, so read each posting before you apply.
Step 2. Get Your EMT Training
The BLS says EMT certification is often required, and requirements vary by state and locality. EMT training involves postsecondary instruction, and some employers also want paramedic certification. Most firefighter calls are medical, so this training counts.
Step 3. Apply and Pass the Tests
Applicants take written and physical tests. Study the exam topics, and train for the physical test, which usually asks for strength, stamina and speed. Apply to several departments, because openings and hiring seasons differ.
Step 4. Complete Interviews, Medical Exam and Drug Screening
After the tests, you interview, then take a medical exam and drug screening before you are hired. Prepare examples that show teamwork, calm decisions and service to others.
Step 5. Finish Fire Academy
Entry-level recruits typically train for a few months at a fire academy run by a fire department or the state. Study hard, stay fit and follow every safety rule.
Step 6. Learn on the Job
The BLS lists long-term on-the-job training for firefighters. Expect drills, equipment checks and fitness assessments after you are hired, and possible random drug tests.
Step 7. Keep Your Credentials Current
Continuing education is needed to keep your certifications. Track your renewal dates, and add skills such as hazardous materials or paramedic training to grow in the career.
Typical Requirements
| Requirement (BLS) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent, plus EMS training |
| Driver’s license | Valid license; a commercial license or firefighter endorsement is required in some states or localities |
| EMT certification | Often required; varies by state and locality |
| Hiring steps | Written and physical tests, interviews, fire academy training |
| Before hire | Medical exam and drug screening |
| Training | Fire academy of a few months, then long-term on-the-job training |
| Experience | No related work experience required |
Firefighter Job Facts From the BLS
The BLS says firefighters respond to fires and other emergencies, operate fire trucks and pumps, rescue people, provide medical treatment, maintain equipment and teach fire safety. Most calls are for medical emergencies, not fires. These are national figures, and pay varies by department and state. This page makes no promise of income.
| Fact (BLS, firefighters) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median pay (May 2025) | $59,280 a year ($28.50 an hour) |
| Lowest 10% earned | Less than $34,910 |
| Highest 10% earned | More than $101,040 |
| Jobs, 2025 | About 355,300 (excludes volunteer firefighters) |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | 4% (about as fast as average, about 13,100 jobs) |
| Openings each year, on average | About 26,800, mostly from workers who leave the occupation |
| Work schedule | Often 24 hours on duty, then 48 or 72 hours off; overtime is common |
| Important qualities | Communication, compassion, decision-making, mental preparedness, stamina and strength |
Skills Firefighters Need
The BLS lists communication skills, compassion, decision-making skills, mental preparedness, physical stamina and physical strength. Show these on your resume with real examples and numbers.
How to Show Your Training on a Resume
Turn each duty into a resume bullet with a number. Use only numbers you can back up.
| What firefighters do (BLS) | Resume bullet to show it |
|---|---|
| Respond to fires and other emergencies | Responded to about 400 emergency calls in one year as a volunteer firefighter |
| Provide medical treatment | Gave first aid or CPR on 25 medical calls as a certified EMT |
| Operate trucks, hoses and ladders | Drove and operated pumps and hoses on 60 drills in a year |
| Maintain equipment | Checked and cleaned gear and equipment on 100% of shifts |
| Do fire safety outreach | Taught fire safety to 300 students at 6 school events |
| Resume section | What to add |
|---|---|
| Summary | Your certifications, your fitness and one result with a number |
| Certifications | EMT certification, CPR and safety training, each with the year |
| Experience | Calls, drills, hours and community service, with numbers |
| Skills | Teamwork, decision-making, physical stamina, communication and compassion |
Certifications
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), State of Ohio | 2025
Adult CPR and First Aid | 2025
Experience bullet
Responded to about 150 medical and fire calls as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, completed 80 hours of drills and passed the physical fitness test in under 9 minutes.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the posting’s rules. Age, license, EMT and test rules differ by department.
- Training too late. Start your fitness plan before the physical test is announced.
- Listing duties only. Add numbers, such as calls, drills and hours.
- Letting certifications lapse. Note your renewal dates.
- Applying to only one department. Apply to several, because hiring seasons differ.
- Typos on your resume. Proofread twice.
Firefighter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are on track when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a firefighter?
No. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says a high school diploma or equivalent is typically the entry-level requirement, along with emergency medical services (EMS) training. Some departments prefer extra college courses.
How old do I have to be?
The BLS says the minimum age is 18. You also need a valid driver’s license.
Do I need to be an EMT?
Often, yes. The BLS says EMT certification is often required, but requirements vary by state and locality, and paramedic certification may be needed depending on the employer. Most calls are for medical emergencies, not fires.
What tests do I take to get hired?
The BLS says applicants take written and physical tests and interviews, then complete fire academy training. You also need a medical exam and drug screening before you are hired.
How long is fire academy?
The BLS says entry-level recruits typically train for a few months at a fire academy run by a fire department or the state. Wildland firefighter apprenticeships can last up to 4 years.
Do I need a commercial driver’s license?
Maybe. The BLS says some states and localities require a commercial driver’s license, or a driver’s license with a firefighter endorsement, to operate a fire truck. Check the department’s posting.
What is a firefighter’s schedule like?
The BLS says shifts often last 24 hours on duty followed by 48 or 72 hours off, and overtime is common. Firefighters sleep and eat at the station while on call.
What skills do firefighters need?
The BLS lists communication skills, compassion, decision-making skills, mental preparedness, physical stamina and physical strength. Show these on your resume with real examples.
How much do firefighters earn?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median of $59,280 a year ($28.50 an hour). The lowest 10% earned less than $34,910 and the highest 10% earned more than $101,040. Pay varies by department, state and experience, and nothing here promises income.
What is the job outlook for firefighters?
The BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, about 13,100 jobs, with about 26,800 openings a year, mostly from workers who leave the occupation. The BLS count of 355,300 jobs in 2025 excludes volunteer firefighters.
Conclusion
Becoming a firefighter takes clear steps: meet the requirements, get EMT training, pass the tests, complete screening and finish fire academy. Start by reading a few department postings and building your fitness, then use the checklist above to stay on track.
Related Reading
- Firefighter resume samples
- Entry level firefighter resume with no experience
- Firefighter cover letter samples
- Entry level firefighter cover letter with no experience
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters (May 2025 pay, 2025 jobs, 2025 to 2035 projections, requirements, training and schedule). Department rules differ, so read each posting. This page does not promise a job or any income.