How to Become A Firefighter in Ohio

Fire-related deaths and damages cause a big concern in the state of Ohio. In 2018, the US Fire Administration reported an average of 3.4 deaths and 18.2 injuries per 1,000 fires in the state of Ohio. Whereas, the national average was 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires.

Should I Become a Firefighter in Ohio?

If you are interested in becoming a Firefighter in the state of Ohio, you must have earned at least a High School Diploma or a GED. However, many of the local Fire Departments/Stations may prefer hiring candidates who have completed a college degree in Fire Science. Moreover, Firefighters in Ohio must hold a valid CPR/BLS card. Further requirements are described below.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

Firefighters were predicted to see a 5% employment growth between 2018 and 2028 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Moreover, a total of 324,620 firefighters were employed in the US in 2019 and their employment numbers are expected to increase by up to 350,000 by 2028.

Steps to Become a Firefighter in Ohio

Highly skilled and trained individuals who are brave enough to endanger their own lives while rescuing others are called firefighters. If you want to know how to become a firefighter in the state of Ohio, you can follow these steps.

1. Complete a High School Diploma or a GED

To become eligible for applying to the position of a firefighter in the state of Ohio, you must at least graduate from High School or complete a GED certificate. However, local fire departments and stations often set their own educational requirements that may be higher than the state-set requirements i.e., a college degree in Fire Science. Therefore, you must consult with the desired Fire Station/Department to find out their hiring criteria.

2. Clear the Hiring Process

Once you have met the minimum required education criteria, you can begin your application for the post of Firefighter in the state of Ohio. All candidate are subjected to the following the tests that include,

• A written exam
• An oral interview
• Physical exam
• Psychological assessment
• Physical ability test (CPAT)
• Background check, and so on

3. Certification of CPR/BLS

All Firefighters in the state of Ohio must hold a valid CPR/BLS certification. This allows them to give immediate medical care to those in need and save lives. Moreover, candidates are encouraged to get certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or as Paramedics.

4. Obtain Firefighter I/II Certification

Firefighters in Ohio must be certified with the Firefighter I/II status certification. This certification can be earned at a fire academy. Candidates must enroll and complete the required training at a local Fire Academy after getting hired as a Firefighter.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Ohio?

If you hold a High School Diploma and possess a valid CPR/BLS card, you are eligible to apply for the position of a firefighter in the state of Ohio. The whole process from officially applying to completing the required tests and getting hired may take about 4 to 6 months.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in Ohio?

Want to become a Firefighter in Ohio? Fulfill the following set of requirements and join Ohio’s Fire Emergency System. All prospective candidates must:

• Be legal US citizens between the age of 18 to 41
• Hold at least a High School Diploma or a GED Certificate
• Possess a current CPR/BLS card
• Own a valid Ohio driver’s license
• Pass the physical exam, psychological evaluation, and the CPAT, etc.
• Clear a detailed background check, and so on

How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Ohio?

According to the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, Firefighters employed in the state of Ohio earned $47,820 as the annual mean salary. Furthermore, California was listed as the highest paying state for this career with an annual mean salary of $84,370.