Firefighters
Low13.98%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$31,600
Median$57,120
High (90th %)$93,720
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Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
The occupation of "Firefighters" is assessed to have an automation risk of 14.0%, which is relatively low, as reflected in its base risk of 14.2%. This risk level is driven mostly by the inherent complexity and unpredictability found in the core duties of firefighting. While certain routine or repetitive aspects might be amenable to automation, many of the daily challenges firefighters encounter require real-time problem-solving, human judgment, and rapid decision-making in hazardous and dynamic environments. Robots and automated systems can supplement some tasks, but major obstacles remain for fully automating the critical and life-saving functions firefighters perform. Therefore, while technology can support, it cannot easily replace the profession’s full range of responsibilities. Among the tasks most susceptible to automation are those that are physical, repetitive, or procedurally consistent. These include rescuing survivors from burning buildings or accident sites, dressing with protective gear such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus, and assessing fires and reporting conditions to superiors via two-way radios. Recent advancements in robotics and protective technology have the potential to automate or assist in some of these activities, particularly those that involve operating in hazardous environments or gathering and transmitting situational data. However, even these tasks often require nuanced judgment and adaptability that current automation technologies cannot fully replicate. Conversely, several core firefighter responsibilities are highly resistant to automation due to their demand for advanced interpersonal and situational skills. Training new employees to effectively control and suppress fires requires not just technical knowledge but also human mentorship and experiential learning. Similarly, searching for survivors and administering first aid or advanced life support depend on intuition, empathy, and the ability to respond to highly variable situations. The bottleneck skill identified for firefighting is originality, with levels at 2.6% and 2.8%, reflecting the occupation's dependence on creative problem-solving and adaptability. These uniquely human attributes greatly limit the extent to which firefighters can be replaced by machines, ensuring ongoing demand for professional firefighters well into the future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
Non-Automatable
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
Non-Automatable
Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
Non-Automatable
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
Non-Automatable
Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
Non-Automatable
Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
Non-Automatable
Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
Partially Automatable
Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.
Non-Automatable
Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.
Non-Automatable
Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
Automatable
Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.
Non-Automatable
Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls.
Non-Automatable
Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques.
Non-Automatable
Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.
Partially Automatable
Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness.
Non-Automatable
Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
Non-Automatable
Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.
Partially Automatable
Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke.
Non-Automatable
Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
Non-Automatable
Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.
Partially Automatable
Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.
Non-Automatable
Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
Non-Automatable
Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.
Non-Automatable
Search to locate fire survivors.
Partially Automatable
Train new employees to control and suppress fires.
Non-Automatable
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
Non-Automatable
Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.
Partially Automatable
Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.
Non-Automatable
Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
Non-Automatable
Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Financial ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsPlume modeling softwareOperating system softwareWeb browser softwareFire incident reporting systemsMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteOperating system softwarePlume modeling softwareSpreadsheet softwareWeb browser softwareFire incident reporting systemsMicrosoft OutlookIncident command system ICS softwareSpreadsheet softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareIncident command system ICS softwareAffiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSEAffiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSECorel WordPerfect Office SuiteEmail softwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Access
Emergency Management Directors
Medium43.69%
Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Medium47.22%
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Medium40.64%
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Medium45.89%
Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector.
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
Medium49.25%
Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Low25.00%
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Paramedics
Low19.23%
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Medium40.17%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Medium36.94%
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Medium47.71%
Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
Security Guards
Medium47.69%
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Medium41.25%
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
Forest and Conservation Workers
Low29.06%
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Medium36.40%
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Low15.02%
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Low11.24%
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Low31.77%
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.