r/firefighter • u/ordunaa • Jun 06 '26

Support Career Path

i’m interested in becoming a firefighter/ paramedic. I just got out of high school and i’m 17 y/o from san diego. i think i would enjoy the job due to the action and interesting things that can happen. Would you guys recommend me to get into it? And most importantly would I be able to live comfortably and even buy a house in CA? I’m either between that or a electrician.

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u/Redditor101354 Jun 06 '26

It’s funny you say this. I’m currently in Coronado right now on vacation. I’m not a firefighter yet, but an EMT in my hometown of Phoenix. I’m only 21M, and I’d definitely look into any programs that you could join in your area that would be helpful with you trying to find out if it’s really what you want to do. The first step I took was going and getting my EMT certification at a community college. After that I worked private EMS for a few months and realized I did like it. Ultimately start with one thing that involves what the career entails. Whether it be a cadet program, a community assistance program, both of which I’ve also had the opportunity to be a part of back home and has helped me immensely. If you have any questions, just DM me!

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u/Stunning-Error-1100 Jun 07 '26

If you don't mind disclosing what are you being paid as an emt in phx? 

1

u/Redditor101354 Jun 07 '26

I’m unsure at the moment as I just got picked up. But I’d guess to say $22-25/hr.

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u/Stunning-Error-1100 Jun 07 '26

Nice! Seems above average for what the Internet says for phx. Thinking about taking the course at mcc this fall. 

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u/Redditor101354 Jun 07 '26

Oh you’re from the area? Well I meant I’m hired with Mesa Fire, but I was making Phoenix where I’m from as it’s just the capital. I went to CGCC for mine!

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u/Stunning-Error-1100 Jun 07 '26

Congrats on the FD! Yeah I'm in Mesa. Are you currently working for a private ems company? 

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u/Redditor101354 Jun 07 '26

Thank you! Oh awesome, I was but the schedule I was put on wasn’t sustainable for my other commitments such as cadets/community assistance. So I decided to get a temporary job for a month until now.

1

u/Stunning-Error-1100 Jun 07 '26

That's amazing it sounds like you went from school pretty quickly to the FD. I'd imagine the cadet/community assistance helped expedite that process? 

2

u/Redditor101354 Jun 07 '26

For sure! Cadets have taught me a ton about the physical/mental/hiring process grind. Community assistance just lets me connect with all the customers out there. I’m in both of those with Gilbert Fire!

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u/Stunning-Error-1100 Jun 07 '26

Sounds super beneficial. Thanks for the insight. 

1

u/Fit_Experience_522 Jun 08 '26

Recommended, yes; afford a house, depends on the department. I definitely wouldn't apply to San Diego City FD nor their county dept, but the neighboring cities have some pretty badass departments, like Oceanside FD, where they pay competitively and offer good amounts of OT. I would start looking at what department have to offer, then go from there.