3 Firefighter Resume Examples (with Writing Tips)

Firefighter resume template (text format)

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How to write a firefighter resume

Here are four tips to help you perfect your firefighter resume quickly so you can succeed at your job search.

1. Highlight your firefighting certifications

Firefighters need a range of certifications and licenses to prove they’re qualified and legally allowed by their state to work as an emergency responder.

You should add your certifications and licenses to a dedicated certifications section that’s placed prominently on your resume so that fire departments can quickly find them. This will ensure that your resume stands out in a field of other applicants.

To find out how to serve as a firefighter in your area, check with your local fire department to see what the requirements are.

Here are the necessary certifications and licenses to apply for your first job with the three biggest fire departments in America:

2. Use your fire department’s rank structure to show your level of responsibility

When writing your job title, use your fire department’s rank structure to be as specific as possible.

For instance, if you work for FDNY, don’t use “Senior Firefighter,” but use “Associate Inspector L1” or “Battalion Chief.”

If you’re applying for a different job with FDNY, this will help them quickly understand your current level of responsibility.

And if you’re transferring to a different fire department, they’ll have a comparative rank table that’ll help them figure out your responsibility level and seniority.

Here are the rank structures for the US’s two largest fire departments (we omitted the very top ranks):

3. Quantify your work experience

Quantifying your accomplishments is a great strategy for making your resume stand out, because numbers pop off the page. Additionally, fire departments will be able to see what you’re capable of and what the impact of hiring you would be.

Here are five examples of quantified bullet points for a firefighting resume:

4. Include the technical skills fire departments want to see

As a firefighter, you’ll be expected to have several technical skills corresponding to the equipment you’ll be using on a daily basis and life saving techniques.

You shouldn’t assume fire departments will know you have these skills just because you’re already a qualified firefighter, so add them to your resume.

Here are 10 skills a firefighter in any city needs (you should also check the job description to see what other skills you should add to your resume):

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Average firefighter salaries in the US

After you’ve written your resume, make sure you use it to apply for jobs within a fair salary range.

The following table includes information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report for 2025. Here are the ten states with the highest salaries for firefighters, as well as the national average for your reference when applying for work.