We surveyed 2,679 firefighters to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical firefighter. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a firefighter?
Low
High
Working as a firefighter typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a firefighter?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a firefighter typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a firefighter?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a firefighter. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for firefighters.
Do firefighters work full-time or part-time?
57% of firefighters work in full-time roles while 43% work part-time.
Is being a firefighter stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for firefighters, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a firefighter?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a firefighter.
How competitive is the workplace for firefighters?
Low
High
Firefighters tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a firefighter require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Firefighters will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are firefighters allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Firefighters rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do firefighters have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Firefighters tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a firefighter physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a firefighter requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are firefighters exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
The workload of a firefighter changes frequently, with their day-to-day rarely being the same.
Does being a firefighter require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for firefighters.
Does being a good firefighter require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a firefighter.