Do Firefighters Get Paid?
There may be a misconception on whether firefighters get paid for their work. Firefighting is a community service that does rely on volunteering.
The good news, though, is that firefighting can also be a paying career.Firefighting is a fast-paced job with tremendous potential for growth. As a firefighter, you can expand your career into fire inspector, fire officer, fire chief, and much more. Getting paid for doing what you love or what you care about is one of the perks of being a firefighter.
Volunteer Firefighters
Some firefighters get their start as volunteers. That means that they do the job of a firefighter without getting paid for it. These firefighters have gotten on-the-job training and been certified as firefighters, but they do not do it as a paying career. It can be a great way to make connections if you want to start a firefighting career, though.
A volunteer firefighter can become a firefighter team member by applying for the job. If they are hired, they will begin to receive a salary. Firefighters earn a median salary of $49,080 a year, or $23.60 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay is based on experience level and position within the fire house.
Employee Firefighters
So, while volunteer firefighters may not get paid, firefighters who apply to become employees do indeed get paid. Firefighters, whether volunteer or employee, both must undergo the same rigorous training and pass the same tests. Both of them must also be committed to the fire service and their communities.
Employee firefighters also receive job benefits, such as health insurance and life insurance. Other benefits for firefighters will vary by fire department. If you are considering a career as a firefighter, you can be sure that you will be paid for your work. Apply as an employee.
Training to become a firefighter is the first step toward a career in firefighting. HCI offers fire training and an associate’s degree in Fire Science that is approved by the Florida State Fire College. You will learn everything that you need to know to start your career as a firefighter! Contact us to learn more today.
