Firefighter Apprenticeship in Vermont

The $46,130 median for Vermont Firefighters tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

Firefighter wages in Vermont ($46,130) lag the national median by 23%. The significant gap suggests either low demand, weak union presence, or a depressed local construction market.

Looking ahead to 2034, Firefighter employment should expand by 3.4%. That translates to roughly 27,100 openings annually when you factor in retirements — enough to absorb most apprenticeship completers.

With 470 Firefighters employed (0.1% of the U.S. total), Vermont is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

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.

With 530 sponsors on record, Vermont ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

From $31,480 at the 10th percentile to $58,240 at the 90th, Firefighter wages in Vermont are fairly compressed. Flat wage structures are common in heavily unionized trades where pay scales are negotiated collectively.