Firefighting is one of the professions many will like to ply for. The thoughts that you are a hero and save people is a very great feeling. However, becoming a firefighter requires rigorous training and commitment. Thus we have carefully organized this article to answer the question “how much does it cost to become a firefighter?”.
Meanwhile knowing the risk involved in firefighting, one has to put himself in the line. It is not advisable to involve in firefighting without professional experience. Otherwise, one will end up it hurts. Hence, there is a necessity to know how much it does cost to become a firefighter.
Therefore, do not be in a hurry to leave this page, as will would expose you to all about firefighting. We will take you on a journey teaching you all you need to know to become a top-notch firefighter.
Who is a Firefighter?
Firefighters are the trained professionals you call at the scene of a fire or emergency. For this reason, they rely on advanced tools and equipment to handle the situation. Also, you can say a firefighter is a trained emergency response specialist who serves to protect public life as well as property.
Thus, they have undergone several pieces of training and learned how to stay safe while doing their profession. Thus, not everyone is allowed to fight a fire except a firefighter.
What does a Firefighter do? | Job Description
Firefighters are more like Law enforcement officers. Hence, first and foremost, they try to protect the lives of people endangered in a fire outbreak. Before considering securing their properties. But, Law enforcement officers fight to curb crime.
At the scene of a fire outbreak, firefighters have many duties. So, they will use their equipment to ensure that water goes where it is needed. Also, firefighters rescue victims trapped in buildings or other structures and administer emergency medical treatment when needed.
They attempt to quench the burning structure and any of its contents. When not responding to a fire or emergency call, firefighters clean and maintain equipment, perform fire drills, as well as complete paperwork relevant to emergency incidents.
Meanwhile, firefighting is really a demanding profession. Apart from fighting fire cases, and trying to show their prowess towards a violent fire, firefighters still have a lot of job descriptions to their tag. Below are some of the things firefighters do;
Where does a Firefighter work? | Available Careers
Firefighters can work in different places. Hence, as a firefighter, you can work across different emergency response departments across the federal and state levels. You can also work in rural areas or smaller towns. Therefore, generally, below are the areas where firefighters work;
When doing their job, firefighters ensure that they wear protective gear, which can be very heavy and hot. But this is to protect them from the hazards of the fire they are fighting.
When not on duty, the job is usually simple and relaxing. As they will work at fire stations, where they sleep, eat, work on equipment, and remain on call. Whenever an alarm sounds, firefighters respond, regardless of the weather or time of day.
How Much Does a Firefighter Make? | Career Outlook
Firefighters earn pretty good cash. As of May 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters earn an average annual wage of $49,620.
Though, this is just an estimate as the actual pay could exceed this. Also, below is the salary distribution with respect to the departments the firefighters work;
Other related careers in firefighting also include;
What are the requirements To Become a FireFighter?
There are various factors considered before becoming a firefighter. Thought the requirements are not far-fetched. But generally, the basic requirement to become a firefighter are as follows;
Also, becoming a firefighter also requires an educational back up. While education and training vary across different jurisdictions, it is important to get a fire science degree to create more career opportunities for you.
Fire Science majors at the bachelor’s level may also combine classroom study with field training and an internship. They also study many aspects of the fire service profession, such as fire behavior, fire extinguishment, rescue procedures, and environmental policy. Common courses, in addition to general education classes, include;
Also, some colleges work with local fire departments to offer a short part-time fire service pre-recruitment course in their fire academy.
What are the Skills That a Firefighter Should have?
There are some essential features one must possess to become a firefighter. Hence, some of the basic skills needed become an effective firefighter are as follows;
How Long Does it Take to Become a Firefighter?
Becoming a firefighter could be achieved in a short while. But becoming a professional firefighter requires years of study and experience. Hence, depending on the training program, it takes a period of three to four months to become a firefighter. Or up to five years, if you want to get advanced pre-employment training and experience a longer application process.
However, to become a full firefighter paramedic you will acquire a four-year fire-sciences degree. THen undergo several training programs. it takes generally up to seven years.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Firefighter?
The question “how much does it cost to become a firefighter”? It is not such a difficult one. Generally, the tuition cost to acquire a fire science degree is $5,300. Additional costs also include bunker gear purchase or rental which can range from $400 to $1,500. Uniforms at $150 to $300 and books as well as class supplies which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
How Hard is the Firefighter Job?
Sincerely saying, this depends on whether you are working as a part-time or full-time firefighter. Thus, as a full-time firefighter, you usually work 42 hours a week, doing day and night shifts to cover the 24-hours service.
Hence, the job can really be demanding and stressful so you need to stay physically and mentally fit at all times. Sometimes, you also will work in very uncomfortable situations and under all kinds of weather. Hazardous conditions are the norm for a firefighter, who might encounter life-threatening fumes, smoke, or fire during any work shift.
That’s why before you decide to become a firefighter you need to ensure you’re capable of withstanding kinds of stuff. Therefore be sure that this is really what you want to do.
How to Become a FireFighter
It really costs a lot to become a firefighter. Hence, you must understand that becoming a firefighter is not a joke. So, you have to carefully follow the steps outlined here to get you on the right track.
#1. Get the Minimum Requirements
It’s important for you to get at least a high school diploma or GED. Also, you must hold a valid driver’s license.
Of course, you must be physically fit and at least 18 years of age to apply and an examination can be carried out to ensure that they have a clean record.
#2. Volunteer For Recruitments
Many firefighters you ask would tell that they started off their firefighter careers as volunteers. Some firefighter departments often have openings for the recruitment of volunteers, including community service.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, about two-thirds of firefighters were volunteer firefighters in 2015.
As a volunteer firefighter, you can build vital professional contacts in the trade. The fastest way to become a firefighter is really to interact with the local firefighters. So, this can give you a good background when applying to be one.
#3. Acquire an EMT/CPR training
Getting an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license is a requirement for firefighters, who are often called out for emergency medical situations, in most areas. EMT is often a multi-level process, but requirements vary by state.
Also, it is imperative you take a CPR class at the American Red Cross or other agencies that offer this training. Having a Red Cross card can boost your chances of handling some tough work at the fire stations as well as getting in the door as a new firefighter recruit.
#4. Take Tests And Apply For Work
For you to be hired as a firefighter, you must undergo the screening test which is usually a physical as well as a written test. The hiring process is usually lengthy as qualified candidates are interviewed and undergo further rigorous evaluation.
You must also pass a rigorous physical fitness test. For this reason, you should be able to perform a distance run in an allotted period of time, climb flights of stairs at a rapid pace and lift and carry up to 200 pounds.
#5. Enroll In The Fire Academy
Though a great part of training is done at the firehouse to which a firefighter is hired or assigned to work, enrolling in a fire academy offers the opportunity to focus on the classroom as well as hands-on work.
So, courses cover topics that might not be covered by firehouse training, such as hazardous materials control or anti-arson techniques.
#5. Get a Fire Science Degree
If you want to further your career in fire science, paramedics, or advance to leadership roles within firefighting agencies, then you should consider getting an associate and bachelor’s degree programs at colleges as well as universities that offer them.
#6. Advance in your Profession
Of course, to rise in ranks in the fire department you must devote more time to your work and more training.
You can rise to even the role of an engineer or a fire chief from being a firefighter. So, it’s important to get more advanced certifications in this field.
FAQs on How Much it Cost to Become a Firefighter
What benefits do firefighters get?
The career firefighters benefit from medical and dental coverage for themselves as well as their family members.
What’s the best way to apply for a firefigting job?
The best way to become a firefighter is to join as a volunteer firefighter.
Is firefighting job hard?
The job of a firefighter can be very demanding. Sometimes you wil be required to work under very hard conditions. So, you must be very physically fit and mentally tough.
How long does it take to become a firefighter?
This depends on the training program, it takes about 4-6 months to become a firefighter. But takes up to 5 years to be a pro.
How much does a fire fighter make?
Firefighters earn pretty good cash. As of May 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters earn an average annual wage of $49,620.
Conclusion
After going through his post, you will ascertain that we have ruggedly answered the question ” how much does it cost to become a firefighter?”. Hence, haven being clarified on this. You can now make the decision of chasing your dream of becoming a firefighter. Not forget to check if you’d really have the gut!
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