Nationwide Firefighter Facts
Thinking about becoming a firefighter? Here's what the national landscape looks like:
📈 Job Market Growth
Firefighter employment in the U.S. is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with an estimated 25,700 openings per year. Most openings come from retirements or career transitions — meaning the demand remains strong.
⬇️ Applicant Numbers Are Dropping
Over the past few years, many departments across the country have reported a 40–60% drop in applicants. While there’s less competition, hiring standards have remained high.
✅ What You Typically Need to Get Hired
Across most departments, the minimum requirements include:
High school diploma or GED
EMT certification
Passing the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
A clean background and valid driver’s license
Some departments also prefer Firefighter I or Fire Science coursework
🧠 Psychological & Behavioral Testing Is Now Common
More and more agencies are adding personality and cognitive exams (like the NFSI) to their hiring process. These tests assess traits like stress tolerance, teamwork, and integrity — not just knowledge or fitness.
🎓 Education Gives You an Edge
Candidates with Fire Science or EMT coursework from a community college, or those who’ve completed a fire academy, often rise to the top of hiring lists. Even an associate’s degree can make a difference in civil service scoring.
📋 The Hiring Process Can Include:
Online application
Written exam
CPAT physical agility test
Panel or structured interview
Background check and polygraph
Medical and psychological evaluations
Recruit academy if hired
🚨 Fast Fact
Even though the competition is shrinking, many applicants still get passed over due to lack of preparation. Interview skills, test readiness, and physical conditioning matter more than ever.
Ready to start your journey?
Check out our CPAT programs, interview prep tools, and career coaching at Fire Prep Academy — built to help you get hired faster, stronger, and smarter.
