Become a Firefighter in Alaska

AlaskaChoosing to become a firefighter is noble, and it can offer and exciting and well paying career for those who pursue it. Becoming a firefighter in Alaska takes a few steps though, and you may be able to improve your chance of becoming a firefighter when you also have some secondary training, such as with fire science degrees from the right colleges.

How to Become a Firefighter in Alaska

As in many other areas, the entry-level position for a firefighter in Alaska is Firefighter 1. In order to qualify for this position, applicants need to be at least 18 years old and they must reside in Alaska. You will have to take the programs from the Training and Education Bureau as well. The course is going to cover a number of different things, some of which might seem very basic at the outset, such as donning gear and tying knots. However, these are vital skills, and you have to be able to pass the course with these practical skills, as well as taking a written exam. In addition, you will need to pass the Emergency Medical Service test so that you have basic knowledge of lifesaving techniques.

Featured Schools:

Anna Maria CollegeOnline BS in Fire Science
Eastern Oregon UniversityOnline FSA Degree
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline Degrees in Criminal Justice

Employment Trends for Firefighters

Employment for firefighters across the country seems to be growing, albeit at a slower rate than expected. With a national growth expectation of 9%, it means that the competition is going to be fierce. You want to give yourself every advantage possible. This means that you might want to find schools with fire science programs so you can get a degree. Becoming a full-fledged paramedic might also make it easier for you to find employment with a fire department. It also means you should stay in shape.

Salary and Employment Facts

The average salary for a firefighter working in Alaska is $47,000 per year. This is a good salary, especially considering the remoteness of Alaska and the fact that it can be difficult to find jobs that pay this well. You will likely have an easier time of finding employment in the more heavily populated areas, but don’t neglect looking into some of the rural locations as well.

Firefighter Activity in the News

Last year in Alaska, there were just eleven deaths by fire. As of April of 2012, there have been only four deaths by fire. While any loss of life is tragic, it is easy to see that the firefighters of Alaska take fires and saving lives very seriously.