Firefighters
Description OES Code: 63008
Control and extinguish fires, protect life and property, and maintain equipment as paid volunteer or employee of city, township, State, or Federal government.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.25
25th Percentile $16.75
50th Percentile $23.78
75th Percentile $29.16

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Fire departments have rotating shifts that involve working 24 hours, followed by 24 or 48 hours off duty. Scheduled on-duty shifts average 56 hours per week.

Fringe benefits include paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and group insurance and retirement programs. Additionally, many fire departments provide a clothing allowance of up to $400 a year.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 33,300
Projected Employment 2008 36,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 8.1%
Separations 1998-2008 8,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 660
Projected Employment 2006 710
Percent Change 1999-2006 7.6%
Separations 1999-2006 120

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
When not fighting fires, on-duty Fire Fighters spend a lot of time in comfortable surroundings. They stay in the fire station throughout the long shift, where they cook, sleep, and relax while not doing drills or station duties. They must, however, become used to being constantly in the company of coworkers. When a fire is reported, all this changes and Fire Fighters must work in conditions that are highly stressful and very physically demanding. They are exposed to many hazards including falls, falling objects, flames, smoke, oxic chemicals, and noxious fumes. While fighting a fire, Fire Fightersrisk death or injury.

Advancement
Advancement in most fire agencies is by competitive exam. A Fire Fighter seeking a promotion is often required to participate in college or continuing education programs to keep current with the latest concepts and procedures related to fire suppression, medical training, and management techniques. Promotions can be made in the command direction to positions such as assistant chief, battalion chief, captain, deputy chief, engineer, fire chief, or lieutenant; or the specialist direction, such as boat pilot, fire prevention specialist, hazardous materials squad member, helicopter pilot, inspector, or scuba diver.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Job openings are usually posted in the employment departments of cities and counties. They may also be listed with the California Employment Development Department and at schools and related types of public places. Local fire stations generally have information about Fire Fighter openings and offer an opportunity to meet Fire Fighters and discuss the job and hiring requirements.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Hiring requirements for Fire Fighters are very strict, reflecting the critical nature of the job. Fire Fighters must be emotionally and physically fit and able to work under stressful and physically demanding situations. Applicants must usually pass a written test, an oral interview, a physical abilities test, a medical evaluation, and a background investigation. Those who get the highest scores have the best chances for a job. Appointments are made on a probationary basis and become permanent after six months to one year of satisfactory service. Residency in the local municipality is required for permanent employment in many fire departments. High school graduation or the equivalent is often required. A good driving record may be necessary. Community college courses in fire science may help the applicant to obtain a higher score in the written examination and the interview. Experience as a volunteer Fire Fighter can also be helpful.

Skills & Other Requirements
Physical standards for prospective Fire Fighters are very high. A problem that may seem minor to the applicant can be disqualifying. Standards on vision require good eyesight before correction and nearly perfect vision after correction with glasses or contact lenses. The physical abilities test, given by most fire departments, is made up of tasks such as running and climbing while carrying weight, which measures physical ability to do the job. In addition, applicants must have the mechanical aptitude needed in the use of fire fighting equipment.

References
California Occupational Guide #241

Related Occupations:Foresters, Law Enforcement Occupations,, Fire Fighting & Prevention Supervisor

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)