How much do <span title="volunteer/emt/firefighters">volunteer/emt/firefighter...</span> make?

Question

Are there different levels of rank and/or salary to the fire department? I used to know a guy who wasn't necessarily a full pledged firefighter but was emt certified I think (fire responder?). I'm curious to know what they make. Could you be a firefighter even w/o a college degree? Would the pay be less then? I'm just interested in getting into the field. Thanks

Answer 1

There is a wide range of salaries, volunteers for the most part work for free with some departments paying a small per call stipend to help with gas costs, etc.  EMT and Paramedic positions also have a wide range from volunteer squads to paid ambulance or even hospital work.  In career departments you can make good money, you will most likely need to become a paramedic in most places and with increased rank comes increased responsibilities and pay.  Good luck, have fun and be safe.

Answer 2

Notice the word, &quot;VOLUNTEER&quot;.  You don&#039;t get paid.  You VOLUNTEER.

Answer 3

How much do volunteer/emt/firefighters make?

The key word in this question is volunteer.  A volunteer does NOT get any money.  

But: Sometimes they will get travel time - this will depend upon the unit.

In a small town each firestation has volunteers that have ranks as if they were in a paid employees at another firestation.

I assume THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS you had  IS FOR A PAID WORKER:

Are there different levels of rank and/or salary to the fire department?

Study for a career as a firefighter, fire chief, fire prevention specialist and more

Fire Science Associate&#039;s Degree programs expose recruits to simulated disaster scenarios, such as burning high-rise buildings, aircraft catastrophes, and even hazardous material spills. An Associate&#039;s Degree from an accredited college represents the same high standard of excellence that professional firefighters receive from municipal fire academies.

Public safety professionals can prepare themselves to earn higher salaries by pursuing a bachelor&#039;s degree in a specialized area of fire science. Many schools now offer targeted concentrations on terrorism incident management, natural disaster relief, and arson investigation.

Students can lay the groundwork for a career as a fire chief by completing courses in management and personnel administration. Other professionals use their exposure to classes in chemistry and engineering to launch careers as fire prevention specialists, working with contractors and architects to design safer buildings.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that, for such an essential occupation, firefighters often endure relatively low pay and poor working conditions. Fire science degree holders, on the other hand, can qualify for more specialized jobs in local public safety agencies or in government administration. While fire prevention specialists and code inspectors often earn median annual salaries of about $46,000, fire chiefs and lieutenants in larger cities can earn upwards of $80,000 per year.

do a search like this one for the city you are wanting to work in.

http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/governing/dep...

FIREFIGHTER EXAMINATION PROCESS



(The following outline is given as an example. The actual order of the various elements of the examination process is subject to change.)

Application &amp; Questionnaire Filing Period

Notification for Written Testing

Written Testing

Notification for Physical Agility Testing for Top Candidates

Physical Agility Testing

Notification and Establishment of Eligibility List



SUGGESTED WRITTEN EXAM PREPARATION MATERIAL

The following books are optional aids that may be helpful in preparing for the written examination. Reading these books will not assure a higher score on the written examination, but will expose the reader to the type of questions which appear on the written examination. The books are available at local libraries and bookstores.



TITLE /AUTHOR

ARCO&#039;s Firefighter, Robert Andriuolo

The Complete Firefighters Exam Preparation Book, Norman Hall

BARRON&#039;s How to Prepare for the Firefighter Examinations, James J. Murtagh

Emergency Care, 8th Edition, Brady



WRITTEN TESTING

The test usually lasts 2-3 hours and is designed to measure the skills and abilities needed to be a Firefighter. Some areas that will be assessed are:

reading comprehension

mechanical reasoning and spatial scanning

reasoning and problem solving

mathematical calculations and comparisons

basic emergency medical care

interpersonal skills/teamwork



SPARKS FIRE DEPARTMENT

A Firefighter is the entry level position in the fire suppression series at the Sparks Fire Department. Additional promotional steps include Fire Apparatus Operator, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and the Fire Chief. Most positions in the Fire Department are filled by promotional opportunities. Other positions within the Fire Department include Fire Training Officer, Fire Prevention Inspector I/II/III, Assistant Fire Marshal, Fire Marshal and support staff. The positions in the suppression career ladder at the Sparks Fire Department are:

Entry Firefighters will receive in-house training and are required to pass certain certification levels to receive pay increases and become eligible for promotion. Candidates must be 18 years of age, have graduated from high school or the equivalent, possess a valid EMT-Basic Certification and driver&#039;s license, and be able to lift and carry 150 lbs. with assistance. They must be able to obtain a Nevada Class A-Fire exempt driver&#039;s license. No experience is required.

A Fire Apparatus Operator operates and maintains all fire apparatus and equipment, and responds to fires and medical and non-medical emergencies. In addition to the requirements for Firefighter, candidates must possess a valid Class A-Fire exempt driver&#039;s license, be certified as an EMS First Responder, have successfully completed the Sparks Fire Department Operator Certification program, and have the equivalent to completion of 15 college semester credits in fire science or a closely related field and three years of experience as a firefighter.

A Fire Captain is the first supervisory level and serves as company commander. This position, under direction, plans, coordinates and assigns the emergency and non-emergency activities of a company during an assigned shift. In addition to the requirements for a Fire Apparatus Operator, candidates must possess the equivalent to 45 college credits with major coursework in fire science, fire administration or a closely related field and 6 years of experience in fire suppression with at least one year at a level equivalent to the City&#039;s class of Fire Apparatus Operation, which includes achievement of minimum certification equivalent to the City&#039;s Fire Officer I Certification.

A Fire Battalion Chief is the second level supervisor and, in addition to performing a variety of administrative support activities, is the tactical commander of multi-company fire, rescue and medical calls. In addition to the qualifications for Fire Captain, a Fire Battalion Chief must possess an Associate Degree with major coursework in fire science, fire administration or a closely related field and 2 years of command experience at a level equivalent to the City&#039;s class of Fire Captain.

A Division Fire Chief plans, organizes and directs, through subordinate supervisors, a major division (Prevention or Suppression) and/or programs of the Fire Department. A Division Chief must meet the requirements of a Fire Battalion Chief and must possess 5 years of command experience at a level equivalent to any combination of the City&#039;s classes of Fire Captain or Fire Battalion Chief.

The Fire Chief plans, organizes, coordinates and directs all activities and programs of the Fire Department and provides expert assistance to City management staff. The position requires the equivalent to graduation from a 4 year college or university with major coursework in fire science, fire administration or a closely related field and 3 years of command experience at a level equivalent to the City&#039;s classes of Fire Battalion Chief or Deputy Fire Chief.

Historically, the Fire Chief position has been filled promotionally from within the Sparks Fire Department, even though that is not a requirement. The Fire Chief is appointed by the City Manager with approval of the City Council

Answer 4

Every city has there own pay schedule.  It depends a lot on what part of the country you will be working.  Starting salary in Yonkers, NY is around 70k, in Tucson, AZ it&#039;s around 35k.

There is also often step raises or differentials.  Depends on your contract.  Available overtime will make a difference too.

Volunteers may make a stipend.  When I was a volunteer it was $5 a call.  We did also get a property tax break.

My department pays a little extra if you&#039;re an EMT, a little extra if you have a college degree.

Many firefighters have no college degree, but it will make you a better candidate if you do.