Government & Public SafetyCompare

Firefighter

O*NET: Firefighters·33-2011.00

The Verdict:Firefighting requires humans in chaotic, life-threatening conditions—burning structures, vehicle wrecks, chemical spills—wielding tools, ladders, hoses amid collapse risks and zero visibility. No system matches real-time physical adaptation or rescue execution. AI supports logistics and reports, but human role in suppression and emergency care endures as risks intensify.

Resilience Score

/100

Highly Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$60k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+3.4%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 0 of 30 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
21 of 30 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 30% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

0exposed

9AI leverage

21human-essential

View all 30 tasks

AI Can Handle This0 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

No exposed tasks identified

AI Leverage9 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.

Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques.

Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.

Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.

Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.

Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus.

Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary.

Train new employees to control and suppress fires.

Human Advantage21 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.

Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.

Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.

Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.

Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.

Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.

Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures.

Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires.

Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.

Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.

Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.

Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls.

Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.

Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke.

Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.

Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.

Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.

Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.

Search to locate fire survivors.

Resilience Landscape

Firefighter lands in Stable, Lower Pay

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