Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace firefighters?AI replacement risk 8% and how the work is changing

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$59,280
25th–75th pct. $44,490–$77,250
Top pay (est.)
$131,400
Top 10% $101,040
Pay in 5 years
$69,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$82,000est.
$70,500–$95,200
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
8%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.7%
27K openings / yr

Will AI replace Firefighters? AI replacement risk

8%
Very low
Ranked #14 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Firefighters

Key skills

Coordination
4.0
Critical Thinking
3.8
Monitoring
3.5
Social Perceptiveness
3.5
Active Listening
3.2
Service Orientation
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Judgment and Decision Making
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security
5.1
Customer and Personal Service
5.0
Mechanical
4.2
Transportation
4.1
Education and Training
4.0
Communications and Media
3.8
Law and Government
3.5
Psychology
3.5

What the work involves

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgePerforming General Physical ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityStatic StrengthStaminaReaction TimeTrunk StrengthOral Expression

Training before entry

1–2 years
29%
6–12 months
28%
1–3 months
20%
2–4 years
17%
3–6 months
5%

Related work experience

None
54%
1–2 years
12%
6–12 months
12%
6–8 years
11%
2–4 years
7%
Up to 1 month
2%
1–3 months
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.