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The Daily Insight

Can firefighters have part-time jobs?

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on March 01, 2026

Firefighters are able to take a second job due to the nature of their shift work, which allows them to have between two and four days off in one sitting.

What can a firefighter do that they could also do in a different career?

Those who become firefighters are interested in serving others. Graduates of fire science programs might also go on to a career as a correctional officer, emergency medical technician, paramedic, police officer, or security guard.

How can I make more money as a firefighter?

Be an Instructor As a firefighter, the skills you have are your best assets to earn extra income. You can take advantage of your skills by offering paid courses and training related to your job. For instance, if you have learned skills that you have acquired in your training as a firefighter, these can be profitable.

What are jobs that work with fire?

15 Great Careers in Fire Science

  • Firefighter.
  • Emergency Medical Services.
  • Investigation.
  • Battalion Chief.
  • Fire Alarm Technician.
  • Public Safety Telecommunicator.
  • Fire Protection Engineer.
  • Emergency Management Director.

Do firefighters have 2 jobs?

Firefighters are usually allowed to have 2 jobs and many do. That means the second job must fit around the shift schedule, which can reduce a firefighter’s options for a second job.

What career cluster is a firefighter in?

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Sort by: Career PathwayCode
Emergency and Fire Management Services33-2021.00
Emergency and Fire Management Services33-2011.00
Emergency and Fire Management Services33-1021.00
Emergency and Fire Management Services33-2022.00

Can you live off being a firefighter?

Yes, you can make a good living and live comfortably on a firefighter’s salary, however, your lifestyle will vary based on the area you work and the overall cost of living.

What are good side jobs for firefighters?

Here are some of the best side jobs, with especially flexible schedules, for firefighters.

  1. Instructor: CPR, ACLS, PALS.
  2. Emergency technician.
  3. Bartender.
  4. Landscaper or groundskeeper.
  5. Personal trainer.
  6. Real estate agent.
  7. Carpenter.

Is the fire service a good career?

Firefighting is a rewarding career that offers a very high level of job satisfaction. Being a firefighter is a great job if you enjoy helping people and serving your community, but be aware that it can be demanding, stressful, and even dangerous at times.

How much does a full time firefighter get paid?

The median firefighter hourly pay is $24.45 per hour, or $50,850 per year, meaning that half earn less than that amount, while half earn more, according to a May 2019 report issued by the BLM. Experienced firefighters in the top 10th percentile earn upwards of $44.24 per hour, or $92,020 per year.

What are the typical work hours for a firefighter?

Firefighter Schedules and Work Life. A full-time firefighter works an average of 56 hours per week, but the work hours are divided into 24-hours shifts. Some departments schedule firefighters to work eight or 12-hour shifts, but this is not the usual practice.

What experience is needed to become a firefighter?

Become an EMT. The great majority of departments are requiring an EMT certification to apply and more than 90% will require this certification after hire.

  • Volunteer your time. It doesn’t matter if it is fire- or non-fire-related volunteer experience.
  • Take fire technology classes.
  • Maintain a clean background and lifestyle.
  • How to become a fireman?

    Step 1Earn a High School Diploma. The first step that you are going to want to take on your quest to become a…

  • Step 2Take the Tests. You don’t need to earn a degree to become a Firefighter, although having a degree in fire science…
  • Step 3Attend Fire Academy. Fire Academy can be difficult to get into, but once you are accepted, it’s time…