Firefighters

Newfoundland and Labrador

The employment outlook will be Good for firefighters (NOC 42101) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Hiring is expected to replace retiring firefighters and the St. John's Regional Fire Department recently announced recruitment for temporary firefighters. Of note, the recent prevalence of wildfires and the reliance on volunteers and assistance outside the province could increase the demand for fire services leading to more job opportunities and vacancies. Currently, many fire departments outside the St. John's area are mainly staffed by around 6,000 volunteers.Here are some key facts about firefighters in Newfoundland and Labrador: Approximately 350 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Firefighters mainly work in the following sectors: Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 77%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 6%Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 486, 487, 493): 6% 82% of firefighters work all year, while 18% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 94% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 6% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 38% compared to 17% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 5% compared to 14% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

New Brunswick

The employment outlook will be Good for firefighters (NOC 42101) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.While firefighter certification is not mandatory in New Brunswick, employers will generally require that candidates complete the New Brunswick Firefighter Certification Program and/or a college program in fire protection technology. A period of supervised practical training is also usually required.Candidates must pass approved physical abilities exams. Other requirements that are typical include certification as a Medical First Responder and certification in hazardous materials response.Additional training is generally provided by the employer and varies depending on the requirements of individual fire departments or services.Valid New Brunswick Driver’s License Class 3E with Air Brake endorsement or equivalency is required.Candidates must undergo both a criminal record and a vulnerable sector check.Opportunities will also be greater for those who are fluent in both official languages of New Brunswick.Here are some key facts about firefighters in New Brunswick: Approximately 950 people work in this occupation. Firefighters mainly work in the following sectors: Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 61%Utilities (NAICS 22): 18%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 10%Scenic and sightseeing transportation and support activities for transportation (NAICS 487-488): 6% 92% of firefighters work all year, while 8% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 46% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 27% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 16% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

Ontario

The employment outlook will be Good for firefighters (NOC 42101) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.What Types of Employers Are Out There?Majority employed by local or municipal governments, in fire-fighting departmentsElectric power generation, construction, and security systems services also employ a few firefighters.What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?The level of job opportunities and requirements are set by municipalitiesPopulation growth is expected to result in expanded fire services in some areasProvincial mandatory retirement age for salaried firefighters should create some replacement needsFederal and provincial investments to attract and retain firefightersWhat Skills Do I Need to Succeed?Typically, completion of high school, although some municipalities may prefer additional educationA pre-service firefighter training program is offered through the Office of the Fire MarshalWhat Other Information Will I Find Helpful?Volunteers or on-call personnel account for about 6-in-10 of the total number of firefighters.Here are some key facts about firefighters in Ontario: Approximately 16,800 people work in this occupation. Firefighters mainly work in the following sectors: Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 89% 89% of firefighters work all year, while 11% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 17% compared to 25% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 8% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 48% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 24% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations