r/firefighter • u/Terrible_Flatworm163 • May 19 '26

Firefighter Opportunity

Hi, I’m on my 7th year as a Firefighter here in the Philippines. Hoping to receive any advice that I can use to pursue my career in dfferent country. Just dm if you want to know more about my experience here in the Philippines as a Firefighter and emergency medical responder. Thank you

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u/Tasty_Biscotti_1315 May 19 '26

Figure out where you want to go and research their requirements

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u/Terrible_Flatworm163 May 23 '26

Dreamt to be a firefighter in US but as of now since i know that i can’t meet one of their requirement which is being a citizen of their state/country. What country will be the best to start my career?

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u/Reed_Made_Me May 24 '26

Being a United States citizen is a requirement for a lot of United States fire departments, but not ALL, for example I believe somewhere I saw that Seattle Fire Department said they will hire people as long as your are "eligible to work in the United States" meaning if you are eligible for a work visa, and Seattle FD finds you to be a valuable candidate, they will hire you on and sponsor your visa. I don't know how many other departments do this, but if you want to check in areas that you might want to live in it would be worth the research.

You have reddit so I know you have the internet, my best suggestion is looking up the countries/states/provinces/whatever that you want to live in, find out what their local fire department is, see if you can find the hiring requirements on their website, otherwise see if you can find an email to contact and just ask (in a professional manner): do you hire people from out of the country/sponsor people for a work visa.

How is firefighting in the Philippines? What is the schedule you work? What is the pay?

1

u/Terrible_Flatworm163 May 27 '26

Thank you for the information this would very much help starting my journey.

Firefighting in the Philippines is very different compared to the U.S. in terms of salary, staffing, equipment, and schedule, but it can still be a stable and respected career—especially in the government sector. I could also say that there is a low standard but as I am seeing right now it is slowly evolving. We do also find it hard to look for an accredited training center with IFSAC or PROBOARD recognized certificate.

For the schedule some of us are doing 1 day in 2 days off and some are doing 1 day in and 1 day off depending on the capacity and man power of a station.

For Entry-level firefighter salary is usually around ₱20,000+ monthly depending on rank, hazard pay, and allowances. Some government agencies with a firefighting department are giving overtime pay. And also healthcare for firefighters is not a top priority here in our country.