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- Should I Become a Firefighter in California?
- Guide to Become a Firefighter in California
- Careers in Firefighting in California
- Requirements to Become a Firefighter in California
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in California?
- How Much Does a Firefighter Make in California?
- Career Outlook for Firefighters in California
The job duties of a firefighter entail a lot of risks, after all it is not easy to combat raging fires.
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According to the latest figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 33,780 firefighters were working in California in 2019. This is the highest number for any state across the US.
| Education Required | At least a high school diploma or a GED or a California High School Proficiency Examination certificate. |
| Training | Required |
| Licenses/Certifications | EMT and CRT Certification might be needed. |
| Key Skills/Qualities | Strong Decision making, Strong Critical Thinking, Physical Stamina, Patience, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $54,650 |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 6% |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – California | $84,370 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Guide to Become a Firefighter in California
Firefighters are generally known to put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property and the environment may be at risk. However, firefighters also perform a variety of other duties away from the public eye such as conducting fire drills, writing reports, etc. In short, a lot of what you would end up doing as a firefighter would depend upon your employer.
There are general requirement to becoming a firefighter in the US. These can also be called minimum requirements. However, the actual admission requirements may differ from employer to employer, state to state and county to county. You will have to complete the following steps to become a firefighter in California:
You will have to get the required educational credentials as the first step to join the field as a firefighter. You will need one of the following credentials to start your journey:
- High school diploma or GED.
- CHSPE (California High School Proficiency Examination) Certificate.
Before you apply for the position of a firefighter in California, you will have to clear the FCA.
If you have completed the above-mentioned two steps, you can apply for the position of a firefighter.
You will have to pass a written test or an interview, depending on the hiring procedure of the fire station you apply to.
You will have to get a passing score on the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or the Candidate Advancement Program (CAP). Most fire departments accept these scores as fitness certificates but there might be some that conduct their own physical fitness tests.
You will also have to clear a comprehensive background investigation.
You will also have to pass a psychological, medical, and drug screening to join the fire department of your choice.
You will also have to pass a fire academy training, the duration of which will vary from fire department to fire department.
To work as a firefighter you will also have to get your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate that is valid in California.
Careers in Firefighting in California
The state of California lists firefighting jobs amongst Fire Protection Careers. Some of the careers offered under this classification are:
- Fire Fighter I
- Fire Fighter & Fire Firefighter (Paramedic)
- Fire Apparatus Engineer & Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic)
- Heavy Fire Equipment Operator (HFEO)
Each of these positions will have its own set of hiring requirements. It is therefore advised that you check state of California’s official website for more details.
Requirements to Become a Firefighter in California
These requirements would vary. For example, if you are interested in becoming Fire Fighter I, which is a seasonal and temporary classification, then you must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment. However, if you seek a permanent position with the Burbank Fire Department, then you must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
Since the requirements vary, the following should only serve as a general guideline on minimum requirements to become a firefighter in California:
- Fulfill minimum age requirement
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be of good character
- Must be free from any physical or mental condition
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must hold a valid state of California driver’s license
- Must be certified as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Must have valid Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT)
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in California?
Once you have fulfilled minimum requirements, you should apply. The application process itself will take a few months to complete, which includes the time from the beginning of the application process to your call for attending a fire academy. Your training at a fire academy will last for at least a few months and once you have graduated, you start to serve your probationary period. All in all, you are looking at a significant time investment before you can become a firefighter in California.
How Much Does a Firefighter Make in California?
Becoming a firefighter requires a lot of commitment and is a rewarding job, both financially and morally as you get to save lives. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2021, firefighters earned a mean annual income of $ 80,990 in California. The national estimate for annual mean wage was $ 55,290. While comparing with other states, California is the second highest paid state in the US, preceded by New Jersey which sits at the top. Below are the top paying states for Firefighters:
| State | Annual mean wage |
| New Jersey | $ 84,930 |
| California | $ 80,990 |
| Washington | $ 76,280 |
| New York | $ 72,670 |
| Colorado | $ 68,300 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
Choosing the Right Firefighting Degree and Concentrations
Once you have determined your passion for firefighting and knowing you have the right skills for the job, the next step is selecting the correct degree type. There are plenty of firefighter degrees available that include:
- Fire Science.
- Emergency Medical Services.
- Fire Technology.
- Fire Administration.
- Firefighter/Paramedic.
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
- Emergency Medical Technology.
- Emergency and Disaster Management.
- Leadership & Management.
Career Outlook for Firefighters in California
According to O*Net Online, the projected growth for firefighters in California between 2018-2028 is estimated to be 4%. The corresponding national growth for years 2020-2030 is projected to be 9%. The projected employment by 2028 is estimated to be 35,100 employees. Below are the states with the highest employment level for firefighters.
| State | Employment |
| Texas | 29,530 |
| California | 27,730 |
| Florida | 20,420 |
| Ohio | 19,350 |
| North Carolina | 15,410 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online