How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Typically a few months to two years for the certificate, then more than a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do firefighters make?

The US median is $59,280 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a firefighter?

Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.

Where can you train to become a firefighter?

372 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a firefighter

Protective service · SOC 33-2011

$59,280US median pay, 2025

+3.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

26,800Openings per year

CertificateUsual way in

How you get in

A certificate or short program is the usual way in.

Postsecondary nondegree award
Long-term on-the-job training
Work as a firefighter

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Fire Science/Fire-fighting	CIP 43.0203	269
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician	CIP 43.0201	142
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services	CIP 03.0208	16
Wildland/Forest Firefighting and Investigation	CIP 43.0206	16
Fire Protection, Other	CIP 43.0299	9

See the 372 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a firefighter?: Typically a few months to two years for the certificate, then more than a year of training on the job. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do firefighters make?: The US median is $59,280 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a firefighter?: Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.
Where can you train to become a firefighter?: 372 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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