South Carolina,SC Firefighter Requirements and Training Summary

A firefighter provides an important public service, responding to different emergencies in their community. Foremost, it’s the job of firefighters to prevent combat and extinguish fires with the aim of saving lives and protecting the environment as well as property.
All firefighters are trained to analyze hazardous situations and respond accordingly, using their knowledge of emergency situations. Since it’s a high-risk job, firefighters undergo extensive training and require skills to handle dangerous situations. The physical demands of the job require firefighters to pass physical ability test, medical clearance, and clear psychological evaluation.

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Firefighters are exposed to a number of unfavorable, unpleasant, and dangerous conditions. That is why they often suffer burns, stings, bites, and cuts.

• They are expected to work indoors and outdoors. Forest firefighters may have to work outside all day during major outbreaks of wildfires
• They are often exposed to chemical hazards, contaminants, and hazardous equipment
• They are exposed to very hot or cold temperatures
• They have to work in extremely dim or bright lighting conditions
• They are exposed to noise levels and sounds that can be uncomfortable and distracting
• They are exposed to heat stress
• They have to work irregular and long hours, which can cause fatigue
• While helping victims, they can catch contagious and infectious diseases.

The following criterion needs to be met:

• The individual must be a US Citizen
• The individual should not be older than 18 years
• The individual should have a High School Diploma or an equivalent qualification
• He/she should possess a valid driver’s license
• There should be no criminal charges or convictions against the applicant
• Should be mentally and physically fit

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online

To become a firefighter in South Carolina, SC, candidates are required to attend at least 26 weeks of training program in addition to the time required to get an EMT certification. Following graduation, firefighter candidates substitute at nearby area stations until there’s a permanent position that opens up.

The mean annual salary of firefighters in South Carolina, SC is $39,750 according to BLS stats of 2021. The corresponding national median annual salary of firefighters in 2021 was $55,290. Below are the top 5 highest paying states for this occupation in the US in 2021.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

O*Net Online forecasts a 9% increase in employment opportunities for firefighters in South Carolina, SC between 2018 and 2028. This growth in employment matches the need to replace firefighters who have either retired or went on to pursue other career options. The corresponding national average for firefighters is 9% between 2020-2030. Below are the states with the highest employment level in firefighters.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics