The state of Hawaii had an average of 2.0 deaths and 6.2 injuries per 1,000 fires as reported by the US Fire Administration in 2018. The national average was 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires. The number of deaths and injuries in Hawaii was quite lower than the overall national average. Looking at these figures, it can be said that Hawaii maintains a good Fire Emergency System.
Should I Become a Firefighter in Hawaii?
Firefighters in Hawaii typically are not required to obtain EMT certification. However, they are strongly recommended to get certified as an EMT or Paramedic. Moreover, all firefighters must complete training at a Fire Academy before they become eligible to advance to the Firefighter I or II levels. Further state-set requirements have been detailed below.
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Education Required
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Possess a High School Diploma or a GED
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Major Requirement
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Fire Science
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License/Certification
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Possess the certification of Firefighter I or II
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Experience/Training
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Complete Fire Academy Training
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Key Skills
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Physical Strength & Stamina, Communication, Decision making, Courage, and Compassion, etc.
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Annual Mean Salary
(Hawaii, 2019)
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$64,110
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Annual Mean Salary
(National, 2019)
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$54,650
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Job Outlook
(2018-2028)
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5%
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)
Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 5% employment growth for this career from 2018 to 2028. In addition to that, a total of 324,620 Firefighters were reported to be employed in the US in 2019 and 1,800 of them were working in Hawaii.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Hawaii
The steps to becoming a Firefighter in Hawaii have been explained in detail below. Even though the hiring requirements are typically set by the state, the Firefighter requirements in Hawaii stem from local jurisdictions rather than state regulations. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult the relevant fire department/station about regulations before beginning your application.
Step-1: Earning a High School Degree or a GED
All future firefighters in Hawaii must at least possess a high school diploma or a GED. In addition to that, they must have obtained at least 2 years of work experience before applying for this position. However, a college degree might be required by some fire departments/stations.
Step-2: Becoming a Certified Firefighter
Even though the state of Hawaii has not made it mandatory for firefighters to become certified EMTs, it is highly recommended that all Firefighters be certified in providing emergency care as an EMT or as a Paramedic. Moreover, Firefighters must obtain the certification of Firefighter I/II.
Step-3: Clearing the Tests Mandated by the State
Like many other states, Hawaii requires its Firefighters to clear several tests before officially hiring them in that position. All aspiring candidates in Hawaii must complete,
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The Candidates’ Physical Ability Test
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A written and an oral test
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Physical exam
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Psychological assessment
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Background checks and more
Step-3: Complete training at the Fire Academy
All firefighters in Hawaii are mandated to complete their training at a Fire Academy before attaining the Firefighter I/II certification. With this training, Firefighters are taught all the codes and procedures of responding to fire emergencies. They also get hands-on experience in handling fire equipment, putting out fires, rescuing people, and so on.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Hawaii?
To get employed as a Firefighter in Hawaii, it may take you approximately 2 years or more. From submission of a formal application to becoming employed, the duration will vary based on the type of degree you complete before deciding to apply as a Firefighter i.e., after completing a High School Diploma or a college degree.
What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in Hawaii?
If you are a passionate individual who wants to work as a Firefighter in the state of Hawaii, then you must fulfill state-set requirements. To become a Firefighter in Hawaii, you must:
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Be 18 years of age, at least
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Possess a high school diploma or a GED (minimum)
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Have 2 years of work experience
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Hold a valid driver’s license
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Hold the Firefighter I/II Certification
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Pass the following tests,
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The Candidates’ Physical Ability Test
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Physical and Psychological tests
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Background check
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Drug tests
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Written and oral tests, etc.
How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Hawaii?
According to the salary data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, Firefighters employed in the state of Hawaii earned $64,110 in annual mean income.
Firefighter Salaries In Other States
How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in North Carolina?
If you are looking for information about firefighter salary in North Carolina, then you have come to the right place. According to the latest published data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters employed in the state of North Carolina made $34,110 as mean annual salary in 2019. Their median annual wage stood at $31,360. Both figures were substantially lower than their national averages for firefighters.
How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Colorado?
The state of Colorado is a great place to work for firefighters in terms of pay package. According to the latest published figures by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the