Firefighters (NOC 6262)

What They Do Firefighters perform some or all of the following duties: May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide para-medical aid to accident victims or ill persons May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters. Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals Administer first aid and other assistance Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment Inform and educate the public on fire prevention Train to maintain high level of physical fitness Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Public administration 94% Firefighters work for municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal governments and for large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services. The unionization rate (91%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Fire-fighters are found in Saskatchewan and British Columbia while the lowest concentrations are in Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

Related Occupation(s) Ambulance Attendants and Other Paramedical Occupations (NOC 3234)

Something to Think About To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider: Continually updating knowledge/skills Improving interpersonal skills Learning how to build and maintain customer relations Developing communication skills (presentations, meetings, teamwork) Learning how to market on a website

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need To be a firefighter, you usually need a high school diploma and a college program in fire protection technology or a related program. You must pass physical agility, strength, fitness, and vision requirements. Previous experience as a volunteer firefighter may also be an advantage. Training courses in firefighting and emergency medical care are provided, and vary in length depending on the different fire department requirements. An apprenticeship training program for firefighters and voluntary trade certification is available in New Brunswick. To be a senior firefighter, such as a lieutenant or captain, you need several years of experience. With additional training/experience, you may move up the ranks to a senior position, such as fire chief. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma, and almost 3 in 10 have a trade/vocational certificate.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Protection and Correction Services (C841) Construction Technologies (T332) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Community service Teamwork Physical fitness		Useful High School Subjects Math English Sciences Physical Education
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated FAIR because: Employement grew at an average rate. The retirement rate is above average, and the number of retiring workers contributes to job openings. Hourly wages ($24.47) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average. The unemployment rate (0%) is below the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Fair   2009   Fair

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be FAIR because: The employment growth rate will likely be below average. The demand for firefighting services is expected to keep pace with the population growth. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.

Preparing for the Competition You should develop your teaching skills because firefighters increasingly work at educating Canadians about fire safety and fire prevention. You'll need to build your "people" skills and ability to deliver good customer service.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $15.20 $11.74 25-54 $24.67 $19.76 55+ $26.10 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $24.47 $18.07		Hourly wages ($24.47) are above the national average ($18.07). These earnings are above average for occupations in the sale and service sector and are above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Below the average
The unemployment rate (0%) is below the 2004 average (7%). This rate is below the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 2% 10% 1992 2% 11% 1993 2% 11% 1994 1% 10% 1995 1% 10% 1996 1% 10% 1997 1% 9% 1998 1% 8% 1999 1% 8% 2000 1% 7% 2001 1% 7% 2002 1% 8% 2003 0% 8% 2004 0% 7%

% of Part-time work is below average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 98% 81% Part-time 2% 19%		There were 31,000 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 32% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers (2%) is below the 2004 average (19%) and has stayed about the same since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Below average
The percentage of self-employed workers (0%) is below the 2004 average (15%)		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 0% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 2% 10% 25-54 92% 72% 55+ 6% 12%		The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be above average because of a tendency to retire at an earlier-than-average age (56).
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Below average
The percentage of women (2%) is below the 2004 average of 48%.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 2% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31