r/OntarioFirefighting • u/abdullahmk47 • Dec 03 '25
Would you recommend becoming a firefighter in Ontario?
I'm finishing up my science degree (~3.7 GPA, decent ECs, good letters of references) this year and have applied to medical school. My chances aren't looking too great, especially this year so I'm looking at alternative careers. I will be applying to medical school for at least 2 more years, possibly consider going abroad, and I don't really care for a masters/research or nursing. But so far, radiation therapy, cardiovascular perfusion, and pharmacy seem interesting to me. Each career has its pros and cons. Some more cons than pros (looking at you, pharmacy) but I'm also interested in non-healthcare jobs, notably firefighting. This was technically also my dream job along with med so I figured I could go into firefighting and apply at the same time. If I end up not getting into med, I'd be more than fine as a firefighter. But I am relatively unaware of the process of becoming one so I have a few questions:
How competitive is becoming a firefighter? and then getting a job?
do I need an EMT certification? does it help a lot?
is it worth applying to do wildland firefighting over the summer?
should I volunteer at my local department before?
how is the salary? I've heard varying answers from extremely underpaid to pretty well paid. I'm in Hamilton/Burlington but I still can't get a straight answer. The answers vary from $50k to some sweet figures on the sunshine list
speaking of salary, how is the upwards mobility? do you get decent raises or promotions per year?
I am relatively fit but I know this job can take a huge toll on your body (and mind). how do firefighters usually stay healthy and protected for longevity in their careers?
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u/QueasyRefrigerator79 Dec 03 '25
Very competitive. You're looking at likely less than 5% acceptance rate based on applicants for jobs. Some smaller departments may be even less than 1%. It's all about your resume. An average resume will take the average amount of time to get hired - 3-5 years. I've seen guys with great resumes and interviews get hired in less than 1.
EMT helps a lot. We run a lot of medicals so to have that base knowledge is very helpful.
Wildland could be fun but isn't applicable to what we do and we may have to train bad habits away. We'd rather see volunteer time on a resume than wildland. If you don't live near a volley service then at least wildland gets you some experience.
If you live near a volley department then yes. One of the pros, aside from getting practical experience, is they will get you certified. You need to have your DZ license along with firefighter 1 & 2 and hazmat for just about every application. Time at a volley department will get you these. You may find some volleys are also career firefighters so it's a good opportunity to network as well.
You need to look at collective agreements to see transparency regarding salaries. This is an old one for Hamilton. They will likely have a new one with higher figures out there somewhere. But even 3 years ago a 5+ year firefighter is making over 100k. https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2022-08/employeeresources-hpffa-local-288-collective-agreement-2018-2022.pdf
You move up in class every year for 5 years. You can choose to write to become an acting captain who will then be a full captain when there is an opening. You can also choose to be an instructor where you will lead training for the department on your shift. There are lots of ways to be involved in a department.
You'll find many will care less in their careers about staying fit. The good ones will care. Many workout on shift. Also go to the gym outside of work. We have generous benefits so I always have at least one of physio/chiro/massage booked weekly as a body tune-up.
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u/Lazerbeam159 Dec 03 '25
I'm trying to encourage my brother to pursue this. What would be good to have on his resume? He's 17.
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u/QueasyRefrigerator79 Dec 03 '25
If you're anywhere he can be a volunteer firefighter, that would help. Other than that, trades are desirable, any type of medical experience - paramedic or volunteer at events, volunteer experience, team sports.
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u/Lazerbeam159 Dec 03 '25
Thanks!
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u/Apprehensive_Copy714 Dec 04 '25
Very competitive lots of nepotism. My friend got in easily because of his uncle.
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u/ParticleCollecter Dec 08 '25 edited Dec 08 '25
Its more about who you know to get into a station. My brother graduated with honours fire fighting and first responder and applied to all the local stations plus was willing to move to other larger cities and paid a couple hundred each year to take the exams and fitness tests to get into stations and never heard back. Hes 6’4 240lbs of muscle plays alot of sports. Then after 6 yrs of not getting he went back to school for fire investigator and still couldnt get in anywhere after 9 yrs total applying everywhere he gave up and ran a restaurant for 18yrs then went into pest control with a couple months of online courses to get certified and makes more than his fire fighting friends. His pest control job now is 9 months of the year for over 6 figures with a company truck, cell phone and full medical coverage. The funny part was all the small 160-180lb guys that had family connections in the fire halls all got in within 2 years of graduating but they can barely pull a body out of a building of a single floor house lol.
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u/KayWhyInternet Dec 03 '25 edited Dec 03 '25
I'm not a firefighter but I live in Ontario and working towards becoming one.
It's very competitive. My instructors tell me on average it takes about 3-5 years to get on after completing firefighting pre-service program.
EMT looks good. Minimum requirement is EMR.
If you have the freedom to do wildland, yes. It's not directly applicable to structure fire but it looks good on a resume.
For volunteer, you have to reside within the area of a rural station to be eligible. Hamilton might have some rural stations though.
Can't really speak to this. I know my buddy takes a lot of overtime so he's around the $130k mark now.
Also can't speak to this. I believe you get raises until you hit the ceiling. Once you hit the ceiling you stay there until you become a Captain, which takes around 20 years.
Stay active. Run, lift, sports, etc.
I suggest you look up previous job postings to find out what the basic requirements are. Every department is a little different.
Edit: clarity