---
title: "How to Become a Firefighter: Steps, Tests, Pay"
description: "How to become a firefighter: EMT certification, fire academy, written and physical tests, the hiring process and BLS May 2025 pay."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/careers/firefighter/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Public safety · Firefighter

# How to become a firefighter Competitive to get, steady once you are in.

Public safety career profile

Firefighters respond to fires, medical emergencies, crashes and rescues. Most calls are medical, which is why EMT training is usually required. Hiring is competitive, so preparation makes the difference.

In short

To become a firefighter, you typically need a high school diploma, EMT certification, and to pass written, physical ability and medical exams, then complete a fire academy and on-the-job training. Many departments also require paramedic training. Firefighters earned a median of $59,280 in May 2025, per BLS.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

| Median pay | $59,280 a year, about $28.50 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Certificate, plus long-term on-the-job training |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 355,300 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 3.7% |
| Openings each year | About 26,800 on average, including replacements |
| Common requirements | EMT certification, physical ability test, background check |
| Where they work | City and county fire departments, airports, industrial sites |

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm). National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.

## The hiring process

Departments post exams on their own schedules. Expect a written test, a physical test such as the CPAT used by many departments, interviews, background checks and a medical exam. Volunteering or working as an EMT helps your application.

## Questions people ask

### Do firefighters need to be EMTs?

Most departments require EMT certification, and some require paramedic.

### How long does it take to become a firefighter?

Often a year or more, counting EMT training, testing and the academy.

### Is it hard to get hired?

Yes, many departments get far more applicants than openings.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm)

## Where to go next

- [EMT](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/emt/)
- [Paramedic](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/paramedic/)
- [EMT vs paramedic](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/emt-vs-paramedic/)
- [Careers](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/)
- [Barber](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/barber/)
- [Bookkeeper](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/bookkeeper/)
- [Cardiovascular technologist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cardiovascular-technologist/)
- [CNA](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cna/)

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