First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
SOC Code: 33-1021
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $92,430 and +3.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 97,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers (SOC 33-1021) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, 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 97,200 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 $92,430, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus Less than 5 years 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 First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers. 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
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- 2. Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
- 3. Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
- 4. Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.
- 5. Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.
- 6. Instruct and drill fire department personnel in assigned duties, including firefighting, medical care, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and related subjects.
- 7. Maintain fire suppression equipment in good condition, checking equipment periodically to ensure that it is ready for use.
- 8. Evaluate the performance of assigned firefighting personnel.
- 9. Direct the training of firefighters, assigning of instructors to training classes, and providing of supervisors with reports on training progress and status.
- 10. Perform maintenance and minor repairs on firefighting equipment, including vehicles, and write and submit proposals to modify, replace, and repair equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Management of Personnel Resources
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Law and Government
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers has an AI exposure score of 26%, 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 First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers is projected to grow by 3.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 97,200 workers.
What skills are needed for First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
Key skills for First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers earn?
The median annual wage for First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers is $92,430, 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 First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
The typical entry-level education for First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers 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.
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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).