Firefighters: A Challenging, Critical, and Rewarding Occupation
October 08, 2025Firefighters respond to emergency situations by controlling and extinguishing fires, providing emergency medical and search and rescue services, and mitigating hazardous material spills. Although the firefighting occupation is relatively small, it provides critical work, earns above average wages, and is set to grow above the average rate over the next decade. The higher salary corresponds to an occupation that can be mentally and physically demanding, requires long shifts, and comes with inherent risk. However, many firefighters report a great deal of personal satisfaction and fulfillment with their job.
Small Occupation, but Above Average Projected Growth
Around 3,700 firefighters worked in Oregon in 2024. Some firefighters work for the federal government or for private contracting companies, but most employment is at the local government level for municipal, county, or rural fire departments. The Portland Tri-County had the highest number of firefighters of any broad region in Oregon at 1,400, followed by the Mid-Valley (460), East Cascades (440), and Lane (290).
The occupation is projected to add 280 jobs over the next decade, an 8.4% increase. That puts its growth rate about half a percentage point higher than the total growth for all occupations of 7.8%. The areas currently with the most firefighters are also projected to add the most firefighting jobs over the next decade. Among Oregon’s broad regions, Portland Tri-County’s projected 100 job growth is the largest, followed by the Mid Valley (40), Eastern Oregon (30), and Lane (25).
This job growth represents a small percentage of total projected openings. Over 90% of job openings over the next decade are set to come from replacement openings due to turnover and retirement in the occupation.
Despite having a small share of firefighting employment relative to the rest of the state, the Rogue Valley is set to have the highest proportional growth for the occupation, adding 12.2% more jobs over the decade. Eastern Oregon (8.9%), Mid-Valley (8.6), and Portland Tri-County (8.6%) are also set to grow faster than the statewide rate.
Low Educational, but Rigorous Other Requirements
Entry level firefighter positions need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but most positions require post-secondary training. Many firefighting jobs require an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Basic Fire Fighter (Firefighter 1) certification. The occupation can be competitive, so obtaining an associate’s degree in fire science or fire suppression can be an effective way to land a job, increase your salary, or qualify for promotions.
Unlike many other jobs, firefighters need a unique combination of physical and critical thinking skills. O*NET, the Department of Labor’s database of occupational characteristics, lists a few broad categories of abilities required by firefighters:
- Physical abilities like strength, endurance, and coordination.
- Critical thinking abilities like inductive reasoning, information ordering, and problem sensitivity.
- Communication abilities like oral and written comprehension and the ability to speak clearly.
Many of these skills are tested through a rigorous physical fitness exam required to become a firefighter.
Community Colleges Across Oregon Offer Training
Several community colleges across Oregon have firefighting programs that offer varying degrees of accreditation depending on length of study. For example, Chemeketa Community College’s Fire Suppression Program offers a nine-month Firefighter-EMT Certificate program that awards students EMT, Firefighter I, and several other certifications upon completion. Students who complete a two-year program earn an associate’s degree in Fire Suppression. A three-year program awards an associate’s degree and a paramedic bridge certificate. Other community colleges with similar programs include Clackamas Community College, Rogue Community College, and Umpqua Community College.
High Wage Occupation
Firefighters typically earn above average wages, despite having relatively low educational requirements. In fact, firefighting is one of the state’s highest paying occupations that doesn’t require a post-secondary degree. Statewide, the 2025 median hourly wage for firefighters of $36 was almost $10 higher than the median hourly wage for all occupations. All broad areas of the state had a pay premium for firefighters, but it was most pronounced in Portland Tri-County (with a $42 median hourly wage for firefighters versus a $29 median wage for all occupations), Lane ($37 versus $24), Southwest Oregon ($32 versus $23), and East Cascades ($31 versus $24).
