Also called: Driver/Operator, Engineer (Fire), Chauffeur
Drives the fire engine or ladder truck and runs its pumps and aerial ladder at emergencies.
Engineers know every street in their district, drive massive trucks through traffic safely, and calculate water pressure for hoses on the fly. On a ladder truck, they raise a 100-foot aerial ladder to a roof.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 4 years after high school. Firefighter experience plus Driver/Operator certification.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Fire Science.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS firefighters 2024-34.
Low risk for 10 years. GPS routing and pump computers assist; driving big rigs through traffic and running pumps stay human.
Classes: Physics, Driver's ed, Algebra, Auto shop CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-2011.
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