Being a firefighter is one of the most exciting and challenging careers you can enter. There are many benefits to this career, and it is also highly paid. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection, a state governmental agency, regulates firefighting standards in Texas. The Commission also oversees all volunteer and paid fire departments and outlines the training and requirements for which you can answer the question, “How do I become a firefighter in Texas?”
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Prerequisites
Becoming a firefighter in Texas requires several prerequisites, including a certification in emergency medical care. Emergency care attendant training is offered by the Department of State Health Service, the American Red Cross, and most community colleges. The State of Texas also requires emergency responder certification, and there is a $35 nonrefundable fee to obtain it. Applicants must also pass a background check.
In Texas, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certifies firefighters. In order to become a firefighter, individuals must pass an educational program and complete a physical examination. Once they have completed the training, they can begin their search for employment as a firefighter. While this process may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple and can take as little as five months.
Applicants must be at least eighteen years old, although the age requirement varies by department. They must also be in good physical condition and pass a background check. Additionally, applicants must have excellent English-language skills and pass a physical ability test.
Training
If you’re looking to become a firefighter, Texas has many training programs to choose from. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection oversees these programs, while independent fire academies, colleges and universities, and municipal agencies also offer basic fire suppression programs. Training programs typically combine classroom and hands-on training.
The Basic Fire Academy offers a 25-credit-hour course that prepares students to become structural firefighters in Texas. The program also prepares students to take the state examination to become certified. This course also includes an introduction to emergency medical techniques. In addition to classroom learning, a student must pass an exam to become a structural firefighter.
Texas’ state fire training programs are based on proven standards. These programs prepare firefighters for life-saving operations and protect property in all regions of Texas. Firefighters in Texas earn an average of $56,610 per year.
Salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a firefighter in Texas is $56,610. The state ranks second after California on the list of states with the highest average annual wage for firefighters. As of May 2020, Texas employed a total of 24,690 firefighters.
Salary for firefighters varies depending on experience and location. In some areas, firefighters receive longevity pay, which pays approximately $6.00 per month. Firefighters also receive college tuition reimbursement. This makes furthering their education very affordable and convenient. They also have access to community colleges, as well as upper-level universities.
Texas ranks second behind California in the number of firefighters employed in the state. In 2016, the state employed a total of 27,900 firefighters. By 2026, the number of firefighters will grow by between eight and 10 percent annually. However, in order to qualify for a firefighter job in the state, a firefighter must first complete an accredited training course, receive certification, and pass a written test.
Resources
If you’re considering a career in firefighting, Texas has many resources available to you. First, check out the state fire marshals’ association (SFFMA). This nonprofit organization works to promote fire safety and public safety in Texas through fire service education. It offers certification workshops and other resources for firefighters, as well as training tools.
Texas’ state fire marshals’ association is the largest and oldest fire service trade association in the state, representing more than 1,200 fire departments, more than 22,000 individual members, and over 80 industrial fire brigades. Its members are all dedicated to providing the best service possible to the community and protecting citizens from fire.
To become a firefighter in Texas, prospective firefighters must first complete basic training and take a background check. Additionally, they must be 18 years of age. The Texas Commission on Fire Protection oversees firefighting training programs, and many colleges and universities offer these programs. The training programs typically combine classroom work with hands-on training, but the programs may differ between schools.
