Protective Services · Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$37–46k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$73–86k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+3.4% · As fast as average
Projected growth of 3.4% from 2024 to 2034; about 27 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Firefighters
Firefighters
Experienced Firefighters
Senior Firefighters
Director of Protective Services
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires some college or a registered apprenticeship, which matches common student preparation goals.
Browse schools offering programs in this field
378 schools offer programs in this career field.
Browse 378 Schools Offering This Program →