Fire Academy Instructor

Also called: Fire Training Officer

Trains new recruits and veteran firefighters in firefighting, rescue, and safety skills.

A day in the life

Training officers run burn buildings where recruits face real fire in controlled conditions, teach ladder and hose skills, and develop drills. They shape the next generation of firefighters.

Pay over a career

Starting
$55k
Typical
$80k
High
$115k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 8 years after high school. Fire service experience plus Fire Instructor certification.

Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, 4-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: Fire Science, Education.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS firefighters 2024-34.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. VR adds scenario drills; live-fire training and coaching recruits stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Public speaking, PE / strength training, Health / first aid, Chemistry.

Official data: O*NET occupation 33-2011.

More Firefighting & Fire Protection careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.