What is a Municipal Firefighter?
Position Description Control and extinguish municipal fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts.
List of Municipal Firefighter Job Duties
- Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
- Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
- Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
- Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
- Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
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Municipal Firefighter Skills
These are the skills Municipal Firefighters say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Fire Alarm Operator
- Oil Fire Specialist
- Municipal Firefighter
- Fire Fighter
- Tail Board Man
Job Outlook for Municipal Firefighters
There were about 327,300 jobs for Municipal Firefighter in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,600 new jobs for Municipal Firefighter by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 24,300 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Municipal Firefighter are Utah, Texas, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Municipal Firefighter Salary
Municipal Firefighters make between $25,170 and $88,920 a year.

Municipal Firefighters who work in New York, New Jersey, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Municipal Firefighters make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $41,740 |
Alaska | $51,110 |
Arizona | $45,150 |
Arkansas | $37,800 |
California | $81,580 |
Colorado | $61,160 |
Connecticut | $63,630 |
Delaware | $48,800 |
Florida | $53,340 |
Georgia | $38,060 |
Hawaii | $62,670 |
Idaho | $40,490 |
Illinois | $56,710 |
Indiana | $49,460 |
Iowa | $43,970 |
Kansas | $37,930 |
Kentucky | $33,520 |
Louisiana | $30,600 |
Maine | $36,750 |
Maryland | $61,780 |
Massachusetts | $60,080 |
Michigan | $45,440 |
Minnesota | $37,690 |
Mississippi | $30,370 |
Missouri | $51,100 |
Montana | $49,230 |
Nebraska | $47,880 |
Nevada | $66,830 |
New Hampshire | $48,640 |
New Jersey | $76,530 |
New Mexico | $36,590 |
New York | $73,710 |
North Carolina | $35,500 |
North Dakota | $42,980 |
Ohio | $46,310 |
Oklahoma | $43,450 |
Oregon | $66,330 |
Pennsylvania | $56,090 |
Rhode Island | $55,240 |
South Carolina | $36,300 |
South Dakota | $44,710 |
Tennessee | $40,280 |
Texas | $52,520 |
Utah | $37,960 |
Vermont | $37,070 |
Virginia | $51,510 |
Washington | $73,850 |
West Virginia | $36,820 |
Wisconsin | $40,310 |
Wyoming | $43,810 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Municipal Firefighters
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Municipal Firefighters may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Fire incident reporting systems
- Incident command system ICS software
- Plume modeling software
- Affiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSE
How do I Become a Municipal Firefighter?
What education is needed to be a Municipal Firefighter?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Municipal Firefighters Sector

Municipal Firefighters work in the following industries:

Similar Careers
Those who work as a Municipal Firefighter sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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