Fire Protection Technicians help organizations, groups and individuals diagnose the risk of fire. They are responsible for maintaining, testing and installing fire protection equipment and systems in buildings to provide environmental, property and life protection.

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If you are planning to pursue a career in fire science, then this article might be of great use to you. Skim through it to understand how to become a fire protection technician in the U.S.

Should I Become a Fire Protection Technician?

Fire protection technicians must always be ready to travel because their work involves visiting client sites and buildings in order to conduct safety inspections. If you have good physical stamina, mechanical aptitude and enjoy practical work, then you might have a good chance at becoming a fire protection technician.

Fire Safety Technician Job Description

As part of their jobs, fire protection technicians are responsible for carrying out the following activities:

  • Conducting safety inspections.
  • Planning fire protection systems.
  • Advising building owners on building codes and standards.
  • Ensuring that workplaces are safe from fire hazards.
  • Creating customized escape plans for clients.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has not published employment statistics for Fire Protection Technicians, therefore we will use the data for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. Take a look at the table below to see what skills, education, and training is required by these workers.

Education RequiredA high school diploma is required. Employers generally prefer candidates who have obtained a certificate or an associate’s degree.
Training/Work ExperienceOn-the-job training.
Licenses/CertificationsCertification is voluntary, but recommended.
Key SkillsCommunication Skills, Problem-solving skills, Detail Oriented, Good Physical Stamina.
Annual Mean Salary (2021)$57,560 (Occupational Health and Safety Technicians)
Job Outlook (2021-2031)6% (Occupational Health and Safety Technicians)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Requirements

Since BLS has not mentioned the career requirements for fire protection technician therefore we will discuss the career requirements for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. These professionals are required to be detail oriented as they need to follow and understand the government regulations and safety standards. Moreover, they need good communication skills as they frequently deliver safety training to workers. Since this job requires a lot of site visits, therefore individuals are expected to have good stamina.

Steps to Become a Fire Protection Technician

The steps involved in becoming a fire protection technician are mentioned below:

Step 1: Start out as a Firefighter

Many fire protection technician usually start their careers as firefighters. In order to become a firefighter, you will need a high school diploma or an equivalent. You will also be required to clear a physical and written exam and will have to attend a fire academy. After graduating from the academy, you can start working as a firefighter. Starting out as a firefighter will help you gain a basic understanding of this field.

Step 2: Enroll in a Fire Protection Technician Training Program

After gaining some experience as a firefighter, you can get admitted into a Fire Protection Technician Training Program. This program will combine lab sessions and classroom lectures with field work. You will be trained in special computer software programs that will help to evaluate fire risk based on several variables. The curriculum of the program will cover a range of topics such as emergency medical service, rescue methods, hazardous materials and firefighting science.

Step 3: Start the Job Hunt

After completing the training program, you can start looking for a job as a fire protection technician. These technicians are employed at the local, state and federal firefighting organizations. Some of these professionals also take up jobs with manufacturing firms that deploy, build and design sprinkler systems, extinguishers and fire alarms.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Fire Protection Technician?

In order to become a fire protection technician, individuals need to complete high school. However, since some employers prefer candidates who have an Associate’s degree, therefore aspiring candidates might need to invest an additional two years after high school to complete the education requirements.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Fire Protection Technician?

Aspiring fire protection technicians should:

  • Have a high school diploma or preferably an associate’s degree.
  • Be physically and mentally fit.
  • Be willing to travel and visit the buildings for inspection purposes.
  • Be willing to work in both outdoor and indoor scenes.

How Much Can I Make After Becoming a Fire Protection Technician?

Since salary data for fire protection technician is not published on BLS, therefore we will use the wage statistics of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. These professionals made an annual mean income of $57,560 in 2021.

Below are the five highest paying states for this occupation according to BLS in 2021.

StateAnnual Mean Wage
Vermont$92,020
Washington$77,520
Alaska$75,480
Colorado$72,240
Massachusetts$70,990

Career Outlook for Fire Protection Technicians

According to the latest figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians will experience a job growth of 6% across the US between 2021 and 2031.

Below are the five US states with the highest employment level for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians in 2021, as per the data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

StateEmployment
Texas4,020
California2,710
Indiana1,020
New York900
Wisconsin770