Fire Science/Fire-fighting
Program Availability
Schools Offering
295
425 total including inactive
States
40
Across 40 states
Graduates (2024)
5,533
Total completions
Fire Science/Fire-fighting is offered as a certificate and associate program at schools across 40 states, making it a solid trade program. The most popular states are Illinois, California and Ohio.
Career & Cost Overview
Median Salary
$59,530
Firefighters
Job Growth
+3.4%
10-year projected growth
Median Tuition
$3,737
In-state annual rate
Graduates typically pursue careers as Firefighters. In-state tuition ranges from $576 to $11,700, and the work is primarily outdoor with heavy physical demands — suited for hands-on learners who enjoy practical work.
Graduate Demographics
Gender Distribution
Degree Level Distribution
Is This Career Right for You?
Is This Career Right for You?
Interest Profile (Holland Codes)
hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data; leading, influencing, and persuading others
What does this mean? ▼
This career is best suited for people who enjoy:
- Building things
- Working with hands
- Organization
- Data management
- Leadership roles
- Sales
Ideal Candidate Profile
👤 Personality Traits
💡 Interests
⭐ Work Values
❓ Ask Yourself These Questions
Do you enjoy hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; organizing, systematizing, and working with data; leading, influencing, and persuading others?
Do you value service orientation?
Are you willing to develop the technical skills required for this field?
✓ This Career May Be Great For You If:
- • Hands-on learners who enjoy practical work
- • Natural leaders who enjoy persuading and influencing
- • Detail-oriented individuals who value organization
⚠ Consider These Challenges:
- • Those who prefer desk-based, theoretical work
- • Those who avoid public speaking or sales
- • Those who dislike repetitive tasks
Note: This assessment is based on typical requirements and characteristics for careers in this field. Individual experiences may vary. Consider your own interests, values, and goals when making career decisions.
Where Can You Study Fire Science/Fire-fighting?
Click on any state to view schools offering this program.
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From the Blog
Fire Academy vs. Fire Science Degree: Which Path Gets You Hired — and Promoted — Faster?
A practical decision framework for aspiring firefighters weighing a fire academy against a fire science degree — what each delivers, when employers actually require a degree, and how FESHE programs combine the two.
How to Become a Firefighter: Step-by-Step from No Experience to Your First Shift
A practical step-by-step guide to becoming a firefighter with no experience — covering EMT prerequisites, the CPAT, academy options, NFPA 1001 certification, the hiring gauntlet, and what you earn at each stage.