Firefighter instructor

About this occupation

Firefighter instructors train probationary, new academy recruits, or cadets, on the theory and practice necessary to become a firefighter. They conduct theoretical lectures on academic subjects such as law, basic chemistry, safety regulations, risk management, fire prevention, reading blueprints etc. Fire academy instructors also provide more hands-on, practical instruction regarding the usage of assistive equipment and rescue tools such as a fire hose, fire axe, smoke mask etc., but also heavy physical training, breathing techniques, first aid, self defense tactics and vehicle operations. They also prepare and develop lesson plans and new training programmes as new public service-related regulations and issues arise. The instructors monitor the students' progress, evaluate them individually and prepare performance evaluation reports.

A specialisation of vocational teacher.

• Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
• Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.
• Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
• Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
• Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

Preparation

Job Zone 2 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Conventional, Social

Top skills: Coordination, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Speaking, Monitoring

US median pay: US$59,280 a year (2025), 345,990 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
• Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.2)
• WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Education

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.