How to Become a
Fire Chief
The ultimate leadership role in the fire service — commanding operations, shaping policy, and protecting your community
Fire Chief Statistics — 2024 Data
What Does a Fire Chief Do?
The Fire Chief is the highest-ranking officer in a fire department, responsible for all operations, personnel, and strategic direction. As the chief executive of the department, they serve as the final authority on emergency response, budgets, policy, and community relations.
- Department Leadership: Overseeing all fire suppression, prevention, EMS, and special operations divisions
- Budget Management: Managing multi-million-dollar budgets, apparatus procurement, and capital projects
- Personnel Command: Hiring, promoting, training, and disciplining hundreds of firefighters and staff
- Incident Command: Assuming command at major incidents — multi-alarm fires, natural disasters, mass casualty events
- Public Relations: Representing the department to city council, media, and the community
- Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals for department growth, technology adoption, and community risk reduction
Fire chiefs typically report to a city manager, mayor, or board of fire commissioners. In volunteer departments, the chief may be elected by the membership. Regardless of the structure, the fire chief carries the ultimate responsibility for the safety of both the public and every firefighter under their command.
Requirements to Become Fire Chief
Education
- • Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or related field (preferred)
- • Master's degree (increasingly expected for large departments)
- • 35% hold a bachelor's degree, 37% an associate's
- • Continuing education throughout career
Experience
- • Minimum 7–8 years in firefighting
- • 4–5 years as a firefighter minimum
- • 2–3 years as captain or deputy chief
- • Progressive rank advancement required
Certifications
Leadership Skills
- • Incident command and crisis management
- • Labor relations and collective bargaining
- • Political acumen and public speaking
- • Financial management and budgeting
Career Path to Fire Chief
Firefighter / Engineer (Years 1–5)
Start as an entry-level firefighter. Master fire suppression, EMS, and rescue operations. Obtain EMT/Paramedic certification. Volunteer for special teams (hazmat, technical rescue) to broaden your experience.
Lieutenant (Years 5–8)
First supervisory rank. Lead a crew on an engine or truck company. Develop incident command skills, complete Fire Officer I & II certifications, and begin a bachelor's degree program if not already completed.
Captain (Years 8–12)
Command a fire station and multiple companies. Manage budgets, training schedules, and personnel issues. Complete Fire Officer III certification and consider a master's degree in Public Administration or Fire Science Leadership.
Battalion Chief (Years 12–16)
Oversee multiple stations and serve as incident commander on larger emergencies. Manage division-level budgets and strategic planning. Complete the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program at the National Fire Academy.
Deputy / Assistant Chief (Years 16–20)
Second-in-command of the department. Oversee major divisions (operations, training, prevention). Handle labor negotiations, city council presentations, and inter-agency coordination. Pursue Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from CPSE.
Fire Chief (Years 20+)
The top position. Appointed by the city manager or mayor (career departments) or elected by members (volunteer departments). Full authority over department operations, budget, personnel, and community relations. Average tenure is 5–7 years.
Fire Chief Salary & Compensation
Salary Ranges (BLS May 2024)
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 33-1021, May 2024
Highest-Paying States
Benefits Package
- City vehicle and expense account
- Executive-level retirement pension
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision insurance
- Deferred compensation plans
- Professional development and conference travel
- Life insurance and disability coverage
Challenges of the Role
The fire chief position is one of the most demanding leadership roles in public service. Understanding the challenges helps you prepare for the realities of the job:
24/7 Accountability
On call around the clock for major incidents, media inquiries, and crisis management
Political Pressure
Navigating city politics, budget cuts, union negotiations, and public scrutiny
Recruitment Crisis
Addressing nationwide firefighter shortages and volunteer decline
Mental Health
Supporting members through PTSD, suicide prevention, and behavioral health programs
Despite these challenges, fire chiefs consistently rank their role as deeply fulfilling. The opportunity to shape an organization, mentor the next generation of firefighters, and make a lasting impact on public safety makes it one of the most respected positions in local government.
Sources & References
- • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 33-1021, May 2024
- • U.S. Fire Administration — National Fire Department Registry Summary, January 2024
- • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — U.S. Fire Department Profile, 2024
- • Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) — Chief Fire Officer Designation Program
- • International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) — Career Resources
- • National Fire Academy — Executive Fire Officer Program
Explore More Career Guides
Start Your Path to Fire Chief
Every fire chief started as a firefighter. Explore fire departments across the country, learn about career opportunities, and take the first step.