Should I Become a Firefighter in Houston?
There are many people who aspire to become firefighters and while it is their passion to save lives, they also want to know more about the job and the benefits of this career. Professionally speaking, firefighters get to help community, get to practice leadership skills, and learn how to deal with difficult situations. Among other things, firefighters enjoy job security as communities and states need these brave men and women in emergency situations.
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If you are passionate about serving the community and protecting the residents of your city, then joining the firefighting profession would be an ideal choice for you. The entire process is lengthy and complex – this guide will help you understand how to become a firefighter in Houston.
| Education Required | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training | Firefighter Training Academy |
| Licenses/Certifications | EMT and CRT Certification. |
| Key Skills/Qualities | Quick Response, Physical Fitness, Resilience, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Courage, Public Safety and Security |
| Job Outlook – Texas (2020 – 2030) | 14% |
| Annual Mean Salary – Texas (2021) | $ 53,310 per year |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Houston
Go to the official website of the Houston Fire Department and fill in the interest form. Once you have submitted this form, you will be notified about the exam date. When the exam date is announced, you can submit an online application to take the Civil Service Exam.
You will be expected to take the Houston Fire Department Civil Service Exam. This exam will test your reasoning and problem solving skills, and will cover a reading portion and a mathematics portion. You will be required to bring along valid photo identification or a driver’s license to be able to sit for the exam.
If you pass the written exam, you will have to fill out the pre-screening application form. You will also have to undergo the physical ability test, a medical exam, a polygraph test and a drug screening test.
Once you clear all the steps referred to above, you will have to participate in training at an approved fire academy. The training duration varies from fire department to fire department.
Requirements to Become a Firefighter in Houston
If you are applying for a Non-Certified Firefighter/EMT Trainee position, you need to meet the following requirements to take the Civil Service Exam:
- 24 transferrable college credit hours with a minimum ‘C’ grade
- 18 years of age at the time of applying
- 2 years of active military service with an honorable discharge
- Valid driver’s license; 2 or less violations in the past 36 months
If you are applying for a Certified Firefighter/EMT Trainee position, you need to meet the following requirements to take the Civil Service Exam:
- Texas Department of State Health Service Certification (EMT) – Basic or Higher
- Texas Commission Fire Protection – Basic or Higher
- 15 transferrable college credit hours with a minimum ‘C’ grade
- 18 years of age at the time of applying
- Valid driver’s license; 2 or less violations in the past 36 months
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Houston?
After 2-4 years of education, the Houston’s firefighter training program is usually 6 to 7 months long. On top of that, the initial screening and applicant shortlisting process can take a few months. So, you will need about 8 to 12 months after studies to become a part of the Houston Fire Department, depending on the availability of the positions.
Houston Firefighter Starting Salary
With 29,530 firefighters as of May 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, Texas ranks as the number one state with the most employed firefighters. In 2021, firefighters in Texas were earning an annual mean salary of $ 53,310. This figure is close to the national annual mean wage i.e $ 55,290 in 2021. Besides good salary, firefighters also get benefits like
• Paid sick leaves
• Paid holidays
• Workers’ Compensation
• Disability Package and Life insurance
• Health Insurance
• College tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
The following table shows the annual compensation received by firefighters in Houston:
| Rank | Annual |
|---|---|
| Firefighter Trainee | $28,024 |
| Probationary Firefighter | $40,170 |
| 1st Year Firefighter | $43,528 |
| 2nd Year Firefighter | $45,791 |
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