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What is a chimney sweep and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a chimney sweep. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.17 an hour? That's $37,788 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 85,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreChimney SweepUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $37,788

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.34%

Asian 4.72%

Black or African American 10.79%

Hispanic or Latino 18.51%

Unknown 4.14%

White 60.50%

Gender

female 8.05%

male 91.95%

Age - 51
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 51

Chimney sweep career paths

Key steps to become a chimney sweep

  1. Explore chimney sweep education requirements

    Most common chimney sweep degrees

    High School Diploma

    47.6 %

    Bachelor's

    25.7 %

    Associate

    13.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific chimney sweep skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service40.57%
    Stoves24.32%
    Stainless Steel10.60%
    Flue8.75%
    NFPA6.41%
  3. Research chimney sweep duties and responsibilities

    • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
    • Clean out the chimney's firebox, smoke chamber, and flue thoroughly.
    • Clean soot from chimneys, remove pipe connecting furnace to flue using hand tool.
    • Clean chimneys, install chimney liners, wood stoves, pellet stoves, chimney caps, etc.
  4. Prepare your chimney sweep resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your chimney sweep resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a chimney sweep resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable chimney sweep resume templates

    Build a professional chimney sweep resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your chimney sweep resume.
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
    Chimney Sweep Resume
  5. Apply for chimney sweep jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a chimney sweep job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first chimney sweep job

Zippi

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Average chimney sweep salary

The average chimney sweep salary in the United States is $37,788 per year or $18 per hour. Chimney sweep salaries range between $24,000 and $58,000 per year.

Average chimney sweep salary
$37,788 Yearly
$18.17 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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