Also called: Engine Boss
Leads a crew on a wildland fire engine that protects homes and attacks fires near roads.
Engine captains drive off-road fire engines to fires, decide how to protect neighborhoods in a fire's path, and train their crew. They're responsible for everyone's safety on the line.
Federal GS pay; overtime and hazard pay often add 50%+ in busy seasons.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 6 years after high school. Several seasons of experience plus engine boss qualifications.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Forestry, Fire Science.
Growing about average. Wildland fire seasons are getting longer; federal wildland workforce is being reorganized (approx.).
Low risk for 10 years. Apps track fire perimeters; leading a crew to protect homes stays human.
Classes: Leadership class, Earth science, Auto / diesel CTE, Health / first aid.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-1021.
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.