What are the Typical Work Hours for a Firefighter?
Firefighters often work non-traditional schedules. While on-duty hours can be demanding, a firefighter's schedule offers a unique balance of work and significant downtime.
Some might be lured to become a firefighter due to the adventurous nature of the job or the desire to help people. Others, might be turned off by the non-traditional work hours that are often required of firefighters.
Schedule Overview
<p>Firefighters generally work in long shifts that include weekends and holidays. These shifts might differ from one city to another. The two most common types of shifts for firefighters are 24 hours on followed by 48 hours off, or 10- to 12-hour shifts for three to four days in a row.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2021)</td><td> $50,700 per year</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 4% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment</td><td> Hazardous environments; higher-than-average rates of injury and illness</td></tr>
<tr><td>Entry-Level Education</td><td> At least a high school diploma or GED; post-secondary education may be required in some jurisdictions</td></tr>
<tr><td>On-the-job Training</td><td> Fire academy or an apprenticeship, the latter of which can last 4 years</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---24HoursOnAnd48HoursOff">24 Hours On and 48 Hours Off</h3>
<p>Most cities in the United States employ the 24 hours on and 48 hours off scheduling system for firefighters. This schedule requires firefighters to remain in a fire station for a 24-hour period and respond to fire calls at any time during this period. This shift is followed by 48 hours off, after which another 24-hour shift is required. Typically, this results in a firefighter working more than 50 hours per week. An average of ten of these 24-hour shifts is usually worked each month. An additional day off every month is arranged in order to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
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<h3 id="section---ShiftCycles">Shift Cycles</h3>
<p>Though not as common as the 24-hour shift scheduling system, some municipalities require that firefighters work for three to four days in a row. Shifts are generally during the daytime and are between eight and 12 hours per day. This schedule is followed by 12- to 14-hour night shifts for three to four days. Then, firefighters have three or four consecutive days off before the cycle begins again. Regardless of the type of shift worked, firefighters can expect to be scheduled on any of the year's 365 days.</p>