What First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers this way: "Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 101,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 105,400 in 2035, an increase of 3,800 jobs (+3.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,600 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $93,530, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers earn the most
Published data currently covers New York, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $124,605. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-1000) include First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives and First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers.
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
How much do First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $93,530.
Is First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,600 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.