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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Firefighters are trained to promote safety and respond quickly and efficiently to situations that may endanger citizens or their property. For example, they may respond to fires, motor vehicle accidents or hazardous goods spills. They provide medical aid, rescue services, and property and environmental loss control services.
When there is a fire, firefighters:
When there are other types of emergencies, firefighters:
Between emergencies, firefighters:
Firefighters in large centres work shifts with rotating days off. In smaller centres, they may work part time or be on call.
The work is physically demanding, sometimes dangerous and often involves short periods of intense physical labour. Firefighters often have to work at heights, in confined places and in very dark areas. They must wear heavy gear while working in environments that include smoke and extreme high or low temperatures. Like most jobs that involve emergency situations, the work also is emotionally demanding and stressful.
Lifting, pulling and carrying over 20 kilograms frequently is required during emergency situations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in ensuring proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
Interest in compiling information to administer first aid and other assistance and to use various firefighting chemicals; and in training to maintain a high level of physical fitness; may provide para-medical aid to accident victims or ill persons
Interest in persuading to inform and educate the public on fire prevention; may supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Firefighters need:
They should enjoy working with tools, equipment and machinery, having clear rules and organized work methods, and educating people about fire prevention.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 12 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 01, 2022 and Oct 15, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Fire Fighting Experience: Industrial services | 11 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance | 10 |
| Tasks: Administer first-aid and other assistance | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 10 |
| Tasks: Provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons | 10 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate the work of other firefighters | 10 |
| Tasks: Maintain firefighting equipment | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 10 |
| Computer Systems: Valid driver's licence | 10 |
Requirements for employment as a firefighter vary from one fire department to another. For example, minimum education requirements range from Grade 10 to a high school diploma with specific courses in physics, math and chemistry. The candidate also may be required to be at least 18 years of age and have:
Depending on the fire department, firefighters may take a training course varying in length from 6 to 12 weeks after they are employed. The minimum mark required to pass the examination at the end of the course is 70%. Afterward, there is a probationary period (6 months to 1 year) of working in a fire station.
Competition for firefighter positions is keen, especially in large urban centres. The selection process includes aptitude tests, fitness tests, medical examinations, security and reference checks and personal interviews. Related experience or training is an asset.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Firefighters may be employed full time by city or industrial fire departments or part time in smaller centres.
Most of Alberta is served by volunteer on-call firefighters. Typically, recruitment is done by local jurisdictions. Free accredited training is usually given, in return for service and availability to the local community.
Firefighters who have the necessary experience, seniority and abilities may specialize in areas such as hazardous materials or technical rescues. They also may become apparatus operators, fire officers, training officers, public safety educators, fire inspectors, investigators or chief officers.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Firefighters
2016 NOC: 4312
87.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.53 | $61.04 | $42.28 | $47.06 |
| Overall | $21.12 | $61.04 | $45.31 | $47.98 |
| Top | $25.05 | $61.04 | $47.68 | $47.98 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $87,314 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $93,429 |
Alberta Firefighters Association website: albertafirefightersassociation.nationbuilder.com
Alberta Fire Chiefs Association website: afca.ca/
International Association of Firefighters website: www.iaff.org
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website: nfpa.org
University of Alberta, firefighter fitness testing website: www.ualberta.ca/kinesiology-sport-recreation/research/centres-and-units/firefighter-fitness-testing.html
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 02, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
