Firefighter Apprenticeship in Florida

Wages, programs & career outlook
FL Median Salary
$58,360/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
FL Employment
21,470
Firefighters employed
FL Sponsors
1447
Registered programs

Florida Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Florida across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$37,330
25th %ile
$46,060
Median
$58,360
75th %ile
$76,010
90th %ile
$90,010

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Florida

The median Firefighter in Florida earns $58,360 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 21%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

At $58,360 per year, Florida pays roughly the national average for Firefighters. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

Federal projections put Firefighter growth at 3.4% over the next decade. The trade generates about 27,100 openings per year, driven more by an aging workforce than by net new positions.

Florida employs 21,470 Firefighters — 6.5% of the national workforce — making it one of the larger markets for this trade. Apprenticeship pipelines here benefit from deep employer networks.

The Firefighter apprenticeship uses a hybrid structure — part time-based, part competency-driven — spanning roughly 2 years. You can accelerate through sections where you demonstrate proficiency, particularly in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams.

Florida's 1,447 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Wages for Firefighters in Florida range from $37,330 at the entry level to $90,010 for veterans — a $52,680 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Florida

1447 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Florida. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
City of Alachua Alachua
John F. Crawford Homes Alachua
Advent Health Information Technology Altamonte Springs
Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC Altamonte Springs
CareerSource Gulf Coast Apalachicola
Cable Electrical Services, Inc. Apopka
FINFROCK Apprenticeship, INJ Apopka Orange County
Innovative Service Solutions, LLC Apopka
JE Technology Solutions, Inc. Apopka
JK2 Scenic, LLC Apopka
Southern Plumbing Company of Orlando, Inc. Apopka
VMG Mechanical, LLC Apopka
CareerSource Heartland Arcadia
DeSoto County Utilities Arcadia
City of Auburndale Auburndale
Michael I. Newbern Air Conditioning Contractor, Inc. Auburndale
HEARTLAND A/C APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM GNJ Avon Park Highlands County
HEARTLAND ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM GNJ Avon Park Highlands County
John Palmer Electric, Inc. Avon Park
Long's Air Conditioning, Inc. Avon Park
Non-Stop Electric, Inc. Avon Park
Steel Blue Fabrication LLC Avon Park
Thompson Electrical Contracting, Inc. Avon Park
Plumbing Ahead LLC Bal Harbour
American Compliance Technologies, Inc. dba A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure Bartow
+ 5 more sponsors in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Firefighters earn in Florida?
The BLS reports a median wage of $58,360/yr for Firefighters in Florida (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?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Firefighters combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
What is the job outlook for Firefighters?
Demand for Firefighters is steady, with 3.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Firefighter apprenticeship in Florida?
Contact one of the 1447 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Florida, 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 $29,180/yr in Florida). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Florida

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