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Military Firefighters

Military Career

General Information

Description

Military firefighters do much more than fight fires. They also perform inspections to minimize fire dangers, provide first aid to accident victims, and respond to hazardous materials spills. They assist civilian fire departments when needed.

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Firefighters work indoors and outdoors while fighting fires. They are exposed to the smoke, heat, and flames of the fires they fight.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Firefighters in the Military

3,245

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$57,104

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$23,543 - $149,925

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • High school 35%
  • Post-secondary certificate 24%
  • Some college 19%
  • Less than high school 9%
  • Associate's degree 7%
  • First professional degree 2%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Firefighters will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience, including practice in fighting fires. Training content may include: Firefighting systems and equipment operationsTechniques for fighting various types of firesFirst aid and rescue proceduresUse of protective equipment Dispatching proceduresDamage controlFire inspection and prevention

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Firefighters will gain skills through classes and on-the-job experience, including practice in fighting fires. Training content may include:

  • Firefighting systems and equipment operations
  • Techniques for fighting various types of fires
  • First aid and rescue procedures
  • Use of protective equipment
  • Dispatching procedures
  • Damage control
  • Fire inspection and prevention

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Education and Training
  • Psychology
  • Mechanical

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.