42101 – Firefighters
TEER 2Occupations usually requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2 years or more, or supervisory occupations
Lead statement
Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main duties
- Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
- Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
- Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
- Administer first aid and other assistance
- Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
- Prepare written reports on fire incidents
- Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
- Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
- Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
- May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
- May supervise and coordinate the work of other firefighters
- May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related fieldanda period of supervised practical training is usually required.
- Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.
- Certification for firefighters is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage.
- Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met.
- Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters, such as lieutenants and captains.
Example job titles
airport firefighter · firefighter apprentice · fire captain · crash firefighter · fire inspector · fire lieutenant · firefighter lieutenant · firefighter · shipboard firefighter · structural firefighter · training firefighter · industrial firefighter · fire department platoon chief · firefighter-inspector · communication service firefighter · industrial complex firefighter · fire safety inspection firefighter · fire prevention officer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $29.00 | $45.79 | $61.40 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $25.00 | $43.67 | $54.95 |
| Nova Scotia | $21.90 | $37.98 | $47.12 |
| New Brunswick | $25.00 | $40.35 | $50.00 |
| Quebec | $20.83 | $40.17 | $50.00 |
| Ontario | $32.00 | $48.53 | $64.58 |
| Manitoba | $31.25 | $43.99 | $59.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $29.76 | $48.08 | $57.69 |
| Alberta | $28.11 | $48.43 | $60.10 |
| British Columbia | $36.00 | $50.00 | $62.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.