First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
SOC Code: 33-1021Also known as:
Battalion Chief, Captain, Chief, Crew Boss, Crew Chief
Median Annual Salary
$92,430
+3.4% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
97K
Current Jobs
What First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers Do
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
💰 Salary
$92,430
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
97,200
Projected Employment (2034)
100,500
Related Careers
Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
$109,660 •
+4.4% growth
First-line supervisors of security workers
$58,610 •
+2.7% growth
Firefighters
$59,530 •
+3.4% growth
Fire inspectors and investigators
$78,060 •
+3.8% growth
Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
$52,380 •
+14.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
- Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
- Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.
- Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.
- Instruct and drill fire department personnel in assigned duties, including firefighting, medical care, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and related subjects.
- Maintain fire suppression equipment in good condition, checking equipment periodically to ensure that it is ready for use.
- Evaluate the performance of assigned firefighting personnel.
- Direct the training of firefighters, assigning of instructors to training classes, and providing of supervisors with reports on training progress and status.
- Perform maintenance and minor repairs on firefighting equipment, including vehicles, and write and submit proposals to modify, replace, and repair equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers:
Fire Science/Fire-fighting
9,863 degrees awarded •
274 colleges offer this program
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician
3,350 degrees awarded •
139 colleges offer this program
Fire Services Administration
1,709 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
224 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Fire Protection, Other
70 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention
69 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 65 | A |
| 2 | Knox County Career Center | Mount Vernon, OH | 75 | B |
| 3 | Eastern Florida State College | Melbourne, FL | 70 | B |
| 4 | Manatee Technical College | Bradenton, FL | 58 | B |
| 5 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | 55 | B |
| 6 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | 52 | B |
| 7 | Santa Ana College | Santa Ana, CA | 420 | C+ |
| 8 | Shasta College | Redding, CA | 287 | C+ |
| 9 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 255 | C+ |
| 10 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 219 | C+ |
| 11 | Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO | 202 | C+ |
| 12 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | 177 | C+ |
| 13 | Valencia College | Orlando, FL | 171 | C+ |
| 14 | First Coast Technical College | Saint Augustine, FL | 134 | C+ |
| 15 | Sinclair Community College | Dayton, OH | 131 | C+ |
| 16 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | 124 | C+ |
| 17 | Marion Technical College | Ocala, FL | 117 | C+ |
| 18 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | 106 | C+ |
| 19 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | 101 | C+ |
| 20 | American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | 98 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers make?
The median annual salary for first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers is $92,430.
What education do first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers need?
Most first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Fire Science/Fire-fighting, Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician, Fire Services Administration.
Is becoming first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers a good career choice?
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers is projected to see +3.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
Top colleges for aspiring first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers include
University of Florida, Knox County Career Center, Eastern Florida State College, Manatee Technical College, Eastern Kentucky University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers?
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers may also be known as: Battalion Chief, Captain, Chief, Crew Boss, Crew Chief, Damage Prevention Coordinator, Deputy Fire Marshal, District Fire Management Officer, Engine Boss, Engine Captain, Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, Fire Coordinator, Fire Department Battalion Chief, Fire Department Captain, Fire Lieutenant, Fire Marshal, Fire Prevention Bureau Captain, Fire Prevention Captain.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.