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Fire captain job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected fire captain job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 800 new jobs for fire captains are projected over the next decade.
Fire captain salaries have increased 6% for fire captains in the last 5 years.
There are over 15,633 fire captains currently employed in the United States.
There are 5,885 active fire captain job openings in the US.
The average fire captain salary is $66,742.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 15,633 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,335 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 13,449 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 12,740 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 11,343 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $66,742 | $32.09 | +1.4% |
| 2025 | $65,836 | $31.65 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $64,592 | $31.05 | +0.2% |
| 2023 | $64,457 | $30.99 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $63,078 | $30.33 | +3.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 142 | 8% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 80 | 8% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 49 | 8% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 134 | 4% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 92 | 4% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 104 | 3% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 23 | 3% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 128 | 2% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 126 | 2% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 118 | 2% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 110 | 2% |
| 12 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 68 | 2% |
| 13 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 26 | 2% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 14 | 2% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 454 | 1% |
| 16 | New York | 19,849,399 | 129 | 1% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 118 | 1% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 92 | 1% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 55 | 1% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 9 | 1% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salem | 2 | 1% | $65,031 |
| 2 | Salt Lake City | 1 | 1% | $49,186 |
University of Akron
Matthew Claflin: Candidates can increase their salary potential by obtaining higher education and certifications. Most fire departments in the country will have monetary benefits and salary increases for candidates who hold degrees related to Fire and Emergency Services, and extra certifications like Paramedic certifications, Hazardous Materials Technician, Tactical EMS, High-Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, etc. It is important to note that new candidates will have a better chance of being promoted to higher ranks within organizations when they hold more certifications and degrees related to the fire and emergency services field. Promoting within organizations also means increases in salaries.
Matthew Claflin: Obtain as many certifications as possible to make yourself marketable for employment. New people entering the fire service should apply to as many organizations as possible. Full-time career departments still only make up about 30% of fire departments in the country, so it is essential to cast a broad net to obtain potential employment opportunities.