How to Become A Firefighter in Oregon

In 2018, the US Fire Administration reported an average of 2.3 deaths and 12.5 injuries per 1,000 fires in Oregon. Whereas, the national average was reported as 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires.

Should I Become a Firefighter in Oregon?

All interested individuals who want to become Firefighters in Oregon must earn an EMT or a Paramedic certification. They must also have completed at least a High School Diploma or a GED. It is important to note that many of the local fire departments/stations prefer candidates who possess a college degree in Fire Science. Further requirements are detailed as follows.

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

Career Outlook

A 5% employment increase for Firefighters is predicted between 2018 to 2028 by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, a total of 324,620 Firefighters were employed in the US, and 3,650 of those were from the state of Oregon. Moreover, BLS predicted that the employment numbers of Firefighters will increase to 350,000 by 2028.

Steps to Become a Firefighter in Oregon

Firefighters are brave souls who risk their lives to rescue others. If you want to be a Firefighter in the state of Oregon, this stepwise hiring guide can help you achieve your goal.

1. Meeting the Educational Requirements

Before applying for the post of a Firefighter in the state of Oregon, you must complete at least a High School Diploma or a GED. It is important to remember that local fire departments/stations often have additional requirements and may prefer hiring candidates with better education such as those with a college degree in Fire Science.

2. Completing the Hiring Process

After gaining the required education, you can apply for the position of a Firefighter. The state of Oregon follows the following hiring process and requires candidates to pass the tests that include,

• The physical ability test (CPAT)
• A written exam and an oral interview
• Physical exam and a psychological evaluation
• Background check, and so on

3. Getting Certified as an EMT/Paramedic

It is mandatory for all Firefighters who want to be employed in the state of Oregon to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics. This ensures that they can provide immediate medical care to those in need and save more lives.

4. Training at a Fire Academy

Firefighters in Oregon must obtain the Firefighter I/II certification. This can be done by enrolling at a fire academy and completing the required training period. All recruits are mandated to complete this training before officially taking on any duties.

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

After completing a High School Diploma, you can either decide to volunteer at a local fire department/station for up to 6 months, or you may choose to get an EMT/Paramedic certification and then officially apply for the job. The whole process from applying for the position to getting hired may take about 4 to 6 months.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter in Oregon?

If you want to be employed as a Firefighter in Oregon’s Fire Emergency System, you must fulfill all state-set requirements. According to those requirements, the candidates must:

• Be United States citizens
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a High School Diploma or a GED Certificate
• Hold a current Oregon EMT/Paramedic certification
• Possess a valid Oregon driver’s license
• Be physically and mentally fit
• Clear a detailed background check

How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Oregon?

Firefighters in Oregon earned $68,540 as the annual mean salary in 2019 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Firefighters in Other Cities and States:

How to Become a Firefighter in Oregon

Do you need information on how to become a firefighter in Oregon? If so, then here are all the details you need like the requirements, the steps you need to complete and the time it will take you to become a firefighter in the state. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,650 firefighters working in the state in 2019 and if you want to join their ranks, you will have to meet requirements like minimum age limit, education credentials, and complete fire academy training, etc.