Firefighters
SOC Code: 33-2011
Firefighters carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $59,530 and +3.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 344,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 25% AI exposure, Firefighters sits 12 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 15% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Firefighters sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Firefighters has ai exposure of 25%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Firefighters vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Firefighters is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 344,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $59,530, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Firefighters. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Firefighters is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
- 2. Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- 3. Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
- 4. Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
- 5. Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
- 6. Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
- 7. Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
- 8. Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
- 9. Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
- 10. Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Telecommunications
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Firefighters?
Firefighters has an AI exposure score of 25%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Firefighters?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Firefighters is projected to grow by 3.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 344,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Firefighters?
Key skills for Firefighters include Critical Thinking, Coordination, Service Orientation, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Firefighters earn?
The median annual wage for Firefighters is $59,530, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Firefighters?
The typical entry-level education for Firefighters is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Firefighters?
Firefighters roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).