Firefighters are first responders trained primarily in controlling and extinguishing fires, as well as responding to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment. They work closely with other first responders and may have responsibilities that overlap with those services, such as investigating the cause of fires or providing first aid services. And yet, firefighter pay varies widely from state to state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for firefighters is expected to grow by around 4% in the next decade, about the same as the average for all occupations. Most firefighters receive 100 hours of training at a fire academy. The average hourly pay per was less than $25 in 2022, or almost $51,700 annually. Most professional firefighters work full time.