I have been a Firefighter in Northern California since 2012 and a Paramedic since 2008. your time can be eligible for transfer. Fifty percent of firefighters are between 30 and 49 years old. Our estimates are verified against BLS, Census, and current job openings data for accuracy. The more pertinent question though is this. Yes, but your employment options may become more limited as you get older. Youll still need to attend a departments academy once hired, but this gives you a leg up and helps you learn the book and practical skills of the job. All rights reserved. Structure Fires in Office Properties, U.S. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Bonus firefighter statistic: There are about 29,705 fire departments in the U.S. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, I cant breathe: Patient dies after 5 Calif. FF-medics violate policy, Chief shares details about Calif. firefighters' strip club scandal, Fla. FF files complaint over photo of chief with 'Hitler-style mustache' giving Nazi salute on duty, Video: 6 DCFEMS members placed on leave after physical fight on scene, Part 1: What to expect from a career in the fire service, Part 2: 11 critical steps on the path to becoming a firefighter, Download our how to become a firefighter infographic, 8 tips to survive your first firefighter shift. Over 10 million men were inducted into the military while the Selective Training and Service Act was in effect from September 16, 1940, to March 1947. Although improved building materials and building codes have resulted in a long-term decrease in fires and fire fatalities, firefighters will still be needed to respond to fires. To earn a competitive salary. The course material discussed in Program moves very quickly and a lot is covered in a short time. Wildland firefighters frequently create fire linesa swath of cut-down trees and dug-up grass in the path of a fireto deprive a fire of fuel. Can a 40-year-old do all these things? Prepare yourself for the physical nature of the job as well as the demands of the test. Yet the average age of firefighters is increasing, and "at 70 or 75 they might be able to drive the fire truck, but they can't run into the [burning] building . Want to study up on your facts? We are constantly adding to this list, so please check back on a regular basis. FirefighterNOW can not guarantee you a job by using any of the products or services provided by FirefighterNOW or any affiliate associated with FirefighterNOW, and cannot guarantee your success. Stayup to date on firefighter employment and hiring information with these resources: From recruit to probie: Advice for the newest members joining the ranks, 5 habits of successful probationary firefighters. Take a look. Officially, there is no maximum age to become a firefighter. Sarah graduated with a bachelor's degree in news/editorial journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. All rights reserved. How to Become a Firefighter: The Complete Guide, Career Change to Firefighter: What You Need to Know. Some fire departments do not have a maximum age limit for applicants. One thing that you should be aware of is that there is no upper age limit for volunteer firefighters, so if you can meet the other demands of the job, you can possibly become a volunteer even if you cant get a full-time job. What Is the Age Limit to Become a Firefighter? Requirements If you worked out of state as a firefighter your time does not transfer. The average Fire Fighter is 49 years old. The average age of an employed fire fighter is 48 years old. Of the total number of firefighters 364,300 (35%) were career firefighters and 676,900 (65%) were volunteer firefighters. Unlike many high school classes, most instructors don't follow the textbook. Joining a volunteer fire department is one way to get into an academy. However, some postsecondary instruction, such as in assessing patients conditions, dealing with trauma, and clearing obstructed airways, is usually needed to obtain the emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. and that the data you submit is exempt from Do Not Sell My Personal Information requests. Work for wildland firefighters may be seasonal. NFPA estimates there were an estimated 1,041,200 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States in 2020. Nationwide 37% of fire departments provided no emergency medical services, 46% provided basic life support (BLS), and 17% provided advanced life support (ALS). A close second is associate degree with 28% and rounding it off is high school diploma with 26%. Can a 40-year-old handle the physical rigors of firefighting as well as a 20-year-old? There are over 25,813 Fire Fighters in the United States. Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste. In order to become a firefighter, you will need a valid driver's license and meet the age requirement of 18 years old. Those industries include government, manufacturing and professional. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Thinking of becoming a firefighter and wondering whether you might have got started too late? We created this chart to show you the average size of companies that typically hire fire fighters. Its in your best interest. FirefighterNOW.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When firefighters are not responding to an emergency, they often participate in other activities related to their work. Although firefighting can be dangerous, its one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. The .gov means it's official. As the New Jersey state webpage above explains, youre technically over 35 on the day of your 35th birthday. A Jumpstart by WebMD article cites a 2005 study that reviewed the exercise capacity of people in different age groups. Your # 1 priority is keeping your family safe. and Privacy Policy. However, at that age, they can only work a certain number of hours. The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. and that the data you submit is exempt from Do Not Sell My Personal Information requests. Fire fighters earn the most in Indiana, where the average fire fighter salary is $71,678. Some departments might even require an EMT certification; larger departments may require a paramedics license. In some parts of the country, fire departments have a max hiring age for both paid and volunteer firefighters that might be around 35-40 years old or older. A fully funded, vested pension system; available at age 52 with 25 years of service or age 57 with no service minimum. Lexipol. A full-time fireman works 56 hours per week on average, however, his or her shifts are separated into 24-hour shifts. However, you may have limited options for fire department jobs that you can apply for after a certain age. There is no official average age for recruits, though, this is probably because such data would be hard to aggregate over dozens of different fire departments in a state let alone the number nationwide. Why do you want to be a firefighter? They also learn how to fight fires with standard equipment, including axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, and ladders. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. This is your time to shine and stand out. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. Some wildland firefighters, known as smoke jumpers, parachute from airplanes to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. They can join the service as volunteers from the age of 16 onwards. Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation. The most common degree for fire fighters is bachelor's degree 31% of fire fighters earn that degree. The time that you spent committing to the military can often be subtracted from your birthday, which can buy you back years. Do keep in mind that not all military service counts under this provision. East Chicago, IN pays an annual average wage of $71,020, the highest in the US. Workers must wear protective gear to help lower these risks. Before sharing sensitive information, For example, although youre a legal adult in New York at age 18, you must be 21 years old before you can start work as a hired firefighter in the state. If you live in a state where the legal adult age limit is higher, then you might have to wait until youre a legal adult in that state to apply for firefighting work. (Ive even heard talk that some departments will accept younger applicants). When responding to an emergency, firefighters often wear protective gear, which can be very heavy and hot. I work with a few who got hired in their mid-forties, so its not too late. In 2014, the NVFC received a $2.4 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency. The most common foreign language among fire fighters is Spanish at 60.3%. One nice story of this is that of Robin Nesdale who became a volunteer firefighter in New York at the age of 56! View our Terms of Service This chart breaks down the ages of fire fighter employees. Fire Recruitment FAQ | Mesa Fire & Medical Copyright 2023 That New Jersey state webpage also brings up some interesting exceptions that might apply in the states with an upper age limit for firefighters. When responding to a fire, firefightersare responsible for connecting hoses to hydrants, operating the pumps that power the hoses, climbing ladders, and using other tools to break through debris. Of the career firefighters, 17,200 were female. According to rules set forth by the FLSA, the youngest age that an individual in the country can be employed is 14. The map here shows where fire fighters earn the highest salaries in the U.S. Applicants for firefighter jobs typically must be at least 18 years old and have a valid drivers license. The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop. By tracking the participants VO2 max levels, which is how much oxygen the body needs when youre exercising at your peak, the researchers noticed a trend. According to IT and engineering job resource Apollo Technical, in 2020, 32 percent of those ages 25 to 44 years old have contemplated changing careers. The most common ethnicity of fire fighters is White (76.8%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (8.2%), Unknown (5.9%) and Black or African American (5.8%). But in general terms, a would-be 20-year-old firefighter is going to be fitter than your average 40-year-old. Firefighter - Milwaukee The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,640. Firefighter Life Expectancy: Do Firemen Have Short Lifespan? Having prior firefighting experienceor at least firefighter trainingmight allow you to get a job as a firefighter as young as 18 or 21. If they can bring somebody on board when they are a fresh-faced 21 or 22-year-old theyve got a blank slate to work with. This means we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. I would point out though, that not every role in a fire department is in operational firefighting. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Download our how to become a firefighter infographic. Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The average age of male Firefighters in the workforce is 38.5 and of female Firefighters is 36.7, and the most common race/ethnicity for Firefighters is White (Non-Hispanic). If youre reading this blog my guess is you are interested in the fire service. The duration of the study was about eight years. But with the average age of firefighters now over 40 in the U.S., more direct recruiting efforts are needed. Learn everything you need to know here. Although it is the lowest average firefighter salary in all provinces, it is sufficient to meet the relatively low cost of living in New Brunswick. Of that number, 370,000are career firefighters and 745,000 are volunteers. Yes, there is a lower and upper age limit for firefighting beginning at 18 years old. Volunteering your time for a great cause is one way to prove you're ready to serve your community. This section highlights information about where fire fighters work. Most firefighters receive training at a fire academy. As a 40-year-old or 50-year-old firefighter, you could train hard at the gym for hours every day to keep up with the 20-year-olds, but this study shows you two wouldnt be on equal footing. In addition, the industry that employs the most fire fighters is the government industry. This is the biggest stumbling block for older people. Clich, we know. They often encounter dangerous situations, including collapsing floors and walls and overexposure to flames and smoke. Of those fires, an estimated property loss of $25.6 billion was reported, including $12 billion due to Northern California wildfires. After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: 18.1% of fire fighters are women and 81.9% of fire fighters are men. Firefighters may have to stay at disaster scenes for long periods of time to rescue and treat victims. Interestingly enough, the average age of fire fighters is 40+ years old, which represents 89% of the population. The Newfoundland and Labrador average firefighter salary is according to the provincial average. Firefighters must be able to make difficult choices quickly, sometimes in life-or-death situations. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, I cant breathe: Patient dies after 5 Calif. FF-medics violate policy, Chief shares details about Calif. firefighters' strip club scandal, Fla. FF files complaint over photo of chief with 'Hitler-style mustache' giving Nazi salute on duty, Video: 6 DCFEMS members placed on leave after physical fight on scene, Research into Firefighter Behavior & Beliefs, Open the tools menu in your browser. Between 2008 and 2018, this is how the number of fire fighters changed. Is There An Age Limit For Firefighters? (Minimum & Maximum Age) Employees with the fire fighter job title have their preferences when it comes to working for a company. The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031. Once the United States entered the war, the requirement expanded to include all men 18 to 65 years of age. We hope the information in this article helped you plan your next career move. We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. How will you stand out against other applicants? Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNK5dYGn3Fg. There are usually no upper age limits to be a volunteer firefighter. NFPA estimates there werean estimated 1,041,200 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States in 2020. The yearly salary for a firefighter recruit in the Fire Academy is $57,773. Since then, the active duty enlisted force has brought in 574 operations and support airmen between ages 35 and 39 comprising. This doesnt mean that a 40-year-old cant be fitter than a 20-year-old, for example. The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. The largest employers of firefighters were as follows: These employment numbers exclude volunteer firefighters, who share the same duties as paid firefighters. There also will likely be a maximum age, usually between 28 and 35 years old, depending on the department youre applying to. Depending on the state or locality, some firefighters are required to have a commercial drivers license (CDL) or drivers license with firefighter endorsement to operate a firetruck. The number of structure fires per year has been below 500,000 every year since 2009, except for 2015, when there were 501,500. And, when in doubt, study some more. Again, there is no official maximum age though mandatory retirement may play a part in some places you cant work longer than its legal to work, thats for sure. The darker areas across the 50 states highlight the highest salaries. I am passionate about helping to share what I have learned and assisting those who are pursuing a career as a firefighter. About 28,000 openings for firefighters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. However, you are going to be expected to show the following characteristics: Be in a good state of health and be physically fit. For example, they must maintain a high level of physical fitness. Just because you are over 35, that doesn't necessarily rule you out from becoming a firefighter. The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings. Now you can see why some states employ upper age limits for firefighters. Last Modified Date: The reasons they may have upper age limits are because younger people can be more likely to demonstrate the other attributes that the job demands. East Chicago, IN pays an annual average wage of $71,020, the highest in the US. interacts online and researches product purchases In this article, well examine the age ranges on the younger and older side of the spectrum for firefighters. However, that doesnt mean that all firefighters start young, I know a few people who managed to get into the job in their 40s, even though in some areas the cut off age is 35. You can become a professional firefighter after 30, 40, or even 50 at some fire departments. Learn more about firefighters by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. So that, young people who desire to pursue this vocation should apply as soon as they finish their formal schooling. We determined the average age of fire fighters based on ethnicity and gender. About 28,000 openings for firefighters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm (visited March 16, 2023). By becoming either a careeror a volunteer firefighter, youre making a valuable contribution to your community and to society at large. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. You will, however, find that you will be around quite a few very young firefighters too, as its highly recommended for kids looking to pursue a career in the fire service to cut their teeth as volunteers. If you have the relevant experience and youre 42 years old the day you send in your firefighting application, you could very well get the job. Reaction tests are a good way of gauging mental fitness and youll find that younger people do better than older ones in this respect. Privacy Policy The second-most popular foreign language spoken is French at 11.8% and German is the third-most popular at 7.4%. About 28,000 openings for firefighters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Lexipol. Once you're ready to start preparing for the written exam, download our written exam checklist to keep yourself on track. This e-mail is checked on regular city business days. Can You Become a Firefighter in Your 40s or 50s. When a fire breaks out in your home or office, all logic can very quickly go out the window, and rightfully so. Fire Fighter Demographics and Statistics In The US - Zippia Thats because fire fighting is a physical career that puts people under immense stress and theres a lot of training both on and off the job to carry out the work. This is a trickier area. Working as a volunteer firefighter may behelpful in getting a job as a career firefighter. 89% of Fire Fighters are 40+ years old or older, 11% are between the ages of 30-40 years, and 0% are between 20-30 years old. All rights reserved. will provide, at least in theory, the maximum yield. Common Recruitment Questions. Firefighters typically work 10 of the 24-hour shifts per month, giving them around 20 days off each month. Here are four additional questions you'll be sure to get in a firefighter interview how you answer will influence a panel's hiring decision. Of the total number of firefighters 364,300 (35%) were career firefighters and 676,900 (65%) were volunteer firefighters. Women Earn 98 For Every $1 Earned By Men. Firefighter statistics categorized by age group: 16-19 (3%), 20-29 (21%), 30-39 (27%), 40-49 (23%), 50-59 (17%), 60 and over (9%). The projected percent change in employment from 2021 to 2031. Welcome to Firefighter Insider. make sure you're on a federal government site. You need to be able to climb stairs and crawl on your knees in hot conditions, and even carry someone while you do it. Fire fighters are 56% more likely to work at government companies in comparison to private companies. The analysis includes firefighters, fire departments, apparatus and stations. Training the American GI | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans Mental preparedness. They ran the age gamut from 21 to 87. FDNY (Fire Department City of New York) even has an upper age limit of 29 years old! In some states such as Alabama and Nebraska, youre considered a legal adult at age 19, and in Mississippi, its 21, but those states are the exception and not the rule. Thus, while before, being 35 years old, you would have been ineligible to work as a firefighter, now that your adjusted age is 29, you can still apply to become a firefighter at your age. Many firefighters earn a degree in fire science to advance their career. Learn More About Fire Fighter Required Education, 18.1% of all fire fighters are women, while, The average age of an employed fire fighter is. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Nearly 50% of volunteers are located in small, rural departments that protect a population of less than 2,500. I know of firefighters whove started in their 40s as professional, full-time firefighters, and in some cities, they may actively encourage the older, more life-experienced applicant, because it may allow them to balance the maturity level of their firefighters. The median annual wage for firefighters was $50,700 in May 2021. For instance, most fire fighters prefer to work at government companies over private companies. The study involved 800 participants, all men. For promotion to positions beyond battalion chief, many fire departmentsrequirecandidates to have a bachelor's degree, preferably in fire science, public administration, or a related field. The real kicker though is this. For example, aerobic capacity declined 3% to 6% each decade in the 20s and 30s, but after age 70 the rate of decline accelerated to more than 20% per decade, says WebMD of the study. This doesnt mean that you cant work for the fire service as you get older, though. For information about a career as a firefighter, contact your local fire department or visit, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services, For information about a career as a wildland firefighter, visit, For information about professional qualifications and a list of colleges and universities offering 2- or 4-year degree programs in fire science and fire prevention, visit, National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration, For more information about emergency medical technicians and paramedics, visit, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760. Starting salary for a Firefighter is $45,196. But thats the problem most fire departments arent hiring older firefighters. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. In other fields, yes, it would be. As a firefighter, I recommend everyone has updated smoke detectors that dont require battery changes, like these ones from Kidde,a fire extinguisher, like this one from Amerex, and a fire escape ladder if you have bedrooms above the first floor, I recommend this one from Hausse. meaning growth on average of 300 a year during the life of the . A probationary or provisional driver's licence will not be accepted. How you've acted to rectify your mistakes will be important when applying to become a firefighter. Composition by Sex 297k MALE WORKFORCE 13,364 13.9k FEMALE WORKFORCE 2,894 95.5% of Firefighters are Male, making them the more common sex in the occupation. Isnt that age discrimination? The median annual wage for firefighters was $50,700 in May 2021. Physical stamina. The younger firefighter would still outperform you physically. Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment. These firefighter statistics give you an idea of the types of emergencies firefighters are most often called to and respond to, as well as the numbers, age ranges and salaries of firefighters in the United States. Whats the Oldest Age You Can Work as a Firefighter? Many firefighters are responsible for providing medical attention. In 2020, 89,600 firefighters were female (9%). There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Of the career firefighters, 17,200 were female. Firefighters typically work long periods; overtime is common, and their hours vary. If you are asked about your past record during an interview, do not lie. Copyright 2023 FireRescue1. Orange County pays significantly more than San Diego its salaries for firefighters in 2018 started at $70,500, compared to $40,456 for San Diego, according to pay data from the state. They also use prescribed fires to burn potential fire fuel under controlled conditions. The information you receive from this e-mail is directly from Fire Human Resources. Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services. You might not be for very much longer, but you are for now. The estimated number of firefighters working in the U.S. is 1,115,000. Hispanic or latino fire fighters have the highest average salary compared to other ethnicities. Instead, take ownership for your mistakes. PDF Recruit Firefighter Program Expectations During certain times of the year, wildland firefighters might not work or might have limited hours. The National Junior Firefighter Program was established in 2007 to train youths on what it takes to become a firefighter. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2022. Common Questions - UK Fire Service Resources Wildland firefighters are specially trained to control forest fires. Yes, Fire Fighter jobs are male - dominated. Firefighters - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Another exception is the National Junior Firefighter Program through the National Volunteer Fire Council or NVFC. You had prior experience, but you havent worked as a firefighter for several years.