Firefighter Apprenticeship in Alaska

Wages, programs & career outlook
AK Median Salary
$63,220/yr
+6% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
AK Employment
1,040
Firefighters employed
AK Sponsors
341
Registered programs

Alaska Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Alaska across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$31,600
25th %ile
$42,790
Median
$63,220
75th %ile
$75,530
90th %ile
$87,940

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Alaska

At $63,220/yr, Alaska Firefighters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 32% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

Alaska pays modestly above the national Firefighter median — $63,220 vs. $59,530, a 6% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

Employment for Firefighters is projected to grow 3.4% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 27,100 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

Only 1,040 Firefighters work in Alaska — 0.3% of the national total. The limited scale can mean fewer formal apprenticeship programs, pushing some candidates toward nearby states with larger trade economies.

Unlike pure time-based trades, Firefighter apprenticeships blend scheduled hours with competency checkpoints. The 2-year timeline can compress if you master emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams faster than the standard pace.

Apprenticeship seekers in Alaska can contact any of 341 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Firefighters in Alaska ($31,600 to $87,940) covers $56,340. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Alaska

341 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Alaska. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Yupiit School District Akiachak
49th State Power Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
907 Heating & Plumbing Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
AK-The Bridge Company Anchorage
Accurate Vision Clinic, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Al Fish Plumbing, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Apprenticeship Office Anchorage
Alaska Basin Anchorage
Alaska CHARR Educational Fund, Inc Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Carpenters Training Trust (WSCTF) Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Department of Corrections Anchorage Null
Alaska Industrial Insulation & Fireproofing, Inc. Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Native Medical Center Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Division of Environmental Health & Engineering Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Pacific University Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Plumbing Service, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Premier Health Anchorage
Alaska Primary Care Association Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Safety Alliance Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Solar, LLC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Southcentral / Southeastern Sheet Metal Workers JATC Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
Alaska Teamster - Employer Service Training Trust Anchorage Anchorage Municipality
+ 5 more sponsors in Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Firefighters make in Alaska?
The BLS reports a median wage of $63,220/yr for Firefighters in Alaska (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How many years does it take to become a Firefighter through apprenticeship?
Most Firefighter apprenticeships run 2 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
What's the difference between a Firefighter apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 2 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Are Firefighter jobs growing?
The BLS projects 3.4% employment growth for Firefighters through 2034 — steady demand. About 27100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Firefighter apprenticeship in Alaska?
Contact one of the 341 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Alaska, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Firefighter apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $31,610/yr in Alaska). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Alaska

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.