May 22, 2007

What This Job Pays: firefighter

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Pay: The average salary of a firefighter in the Seattle area is $59,507, with most making from $48,500 to $70,000, according to PayScale, a Seattle company that tracks compensation and benefits.

Demand: Despite the danger and physical demands, of the field, firefighting will remain highly competitive in the coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The number of qualified applicants in most areas exceeds the number of job openings. Applicants with the best opportunities are those who are physically fit and score the highest on physical-conditioning and mechanical-aptitude exams. Those who have completed some firefighter education at a community college and have EMT certification will have an additional advantage.

Employment of firefighters is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. Most job growth will occur as volunteer firefighting positions convert to paid positions in growing suburban areas.

Need to know: Many firefighters work more than 50 hours a week.

In some agencies, firefighters are on duty for 24 hours, then off for 48 hours, and receive an extra day off at intervals. In others, they work a day shift of 10 hours for three or four days, a night shift of 14 hours for three or four nights, have three or four days off, and then repeat the cycle. Firefighters often work extra hours at fires and other emergencies and are regularly assigned to work on holidays. Duty hours include time when firefighters study, train, and perform fire prevention duties.

PayScale, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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