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Firefighters are responsible for responding to fires and other emergencies, and are often the first to arrive at the scene of an accident. The job is demanding and, at times, stressful, but firefighters serve an important role in maintaining the safety of others. If you’re considering pursuing a career as a firefighter, here are some important factors to consider for the job outlook.

Expected growth in employment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for firefighters is expected to grow 9 percent between 2010 and 2020. This small projected growth, although slightly slower than the average for all occupations, is likely due to the continued population growth, which causes an increase in the number of emergency calls.

Firefighters tend to be needed more in medical emergencies than in fire-related incidents, and the aging population will contribute to the higher demand for emergency responders.

Job opportunities are likely to increase for volunteer firefighters to be converted to paid positions in areas where population growth leads to a need for more full-time firefighters. This increase is also likely to show more in urban populations.

Competition

Although there is projected growth for firefighter employment, the 9 percent growth rate is slightly slower than the average for all occupations. Prospective firefighters will face tough competition, as the job is highly desired due to its challenge, opportunity for public service and minimal educational requirements.

Individuals who are in good physical condition, have good test scores and have received some post-secondary firefighter education and/or emergency medical technician education have the best chances for employment. Individuals with paramedic education experience and advanced training, such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification, also have a better chance of standing out in a crowd of applicants.

Volunteer vs. paid positions

Depending on the availability of resources and funds, a department may rely on the labor of volunteer firefighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association, out of the estimated 1,103,300 firefighters employed in 2010, 768,150 of them were volunteer positions (nearly 70 percent).

Paid positions for firefighters are more common in areas with a population of 25,000 or more. 50 percent of volunteer firefighters are located in small, rural populations of 2,500 or less.

Volunteer firefighter positions do provide individuals with the opportunity to gain experience and eventually advance to a career in areas where there is a growing need for emergency responders.

Wages

How much can you expect to make as a firefighter? Wages largely depend on the department you work for, the state you live in, and other factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of firefighters was $45,250 – with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $23,050 and the top 10 percent earning more than $75,390.

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