How much do firefighters earn? UK salary explained
FIREFIGHTERS put their lives on the line daily, running into the line of fire, literally.
With their invaluable bravery and skills keeping us safe they are critical to the public – but how much does a firefighter earn?
What is a firefighter’s salary in the UK?
There are two types of firefighters:
- Wholetime firefighters. They work fulltime and usually cover towns and cities.
- Retained firefighters. They’re on-call responders who usually cover rural areas.
A firefighter’s salary is based on their experience and position.
According to prospects.ac.uk the national starting salary for a fireman is £24,191 a year.
Once they’re fully trained this will rise to £32,244 per year, while crew manager salaries range from £34,269 to £35,747 per year.
Watch manager salaries range from £36,521 to £39,974, and a station manager can earn between £41,578 to £45,861 plus overtime rates.
If you advance to a group manager or area manager you could be earning between £47,887 and £61,667.
Retained firefighters are paid an annual retainer.
A retainer wage is when you’re paid a set amount every month regardless of whether you do any work.
For retained firefighters these payments start at £2,419 for a trainee and can be up to £3,224 for a competent firefighter.
However, if you work in the London area you could earn more.
How can I become a firefighter?
You can become a firefighter by:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- a fire service training course
If you choose the college route, you can take a level 2 or 3 diploma in Public Services.
You’ll then be able to apply for the fire services, however this isn’t essential.
Alternatively, you could do an apprenticeship.
In order to do this, you’ll need to be employed by a fire service.
You can also train to be a firefighter through the RAF.
You can also volunteer or work in a support role to see what the job is like and determine if it’s for you.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter?
The most important aspect of being a firefighter is physical fitness.
You’ll need to pass medical and fitness tests.
Medically this will include minimum standards of eyesight, colour vision and hearing.
You’ll also need to be confident in water and be able to self-rescue.
Firefights also need to take into account that you’ll need to be flexible when concerning working hours, attendance and meetings.
This include going in during out of hours.
For a college course usually the entry requirements are:
- Two or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 or A* to D for a level 2 course.
- Four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 or A* to C for a level 3 course.
It’s also desirable for you to have your driving licence, LGV driving licence, level 1 functional skills and first aid training.
First aid training is especially important as this could save someone’s life, including yours or a colleagues.
It’s preferable to be open to change, and be committed to diversity and integrity.
Team work and effective communication skills will also be integral to you.
You’ll also need to be aware of danger and act appropriately.
Social skills are essential as you will be dealing with the public, as well as participating in events designed to promote fire safety.