Firefighters
Occupation · NOC 2021 42101 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 42101
- TEER
- 2
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 1
- Median wage, Canada
- C$45.79 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 204
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About this occupation
Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Example job titles
- airport firefighter
- fire captain
- firefighter
- firefighter lieutenant
- industrial firefighter
- shipboard firefighter
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
- Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
- Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
- Administer first aid and other assistance
- Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
- Prepare written reports on fire incidents
- Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
- Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
- Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related field and a period of supervised practical training is usually required.
- Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.
- Certification for firefighters is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
- Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage.
- Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met.
- Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters, such as lieutenants and captains.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2024 | 1 |
- Régie portneuvoise de protection incendie1
Work permits
Work permit holders by year the permit took effect, mapped from NOC 2016 where the code has a single NOC 2021 successor (IRCC).
| Year | TFWP permits | IMP permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 55 |
| 2024 | 0 | 35 |
| 2018 | 0 | 65 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2018 | 65 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2026 | 55 |
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$29.00 | C$45.79 | C$61.40 |
| Alberta | C$28.11 | C$48.43 | C$60.10 |
| British Columbia | C$36.00 | C$50.00 | C$62.00 |
| Manitoba | C$31.25 | C$43.99 | C$59.00 |
| New Brunswick | C$25.00 | C$40.35 | C$50.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$25.00 | C$43.67 | C$54.95 |
| Nova Scotia | C$21.90 | C$37.98 | C$47.12 |
| Ontario | C$32.00 | C$48.53 | C$64.58 |
| Quebec | C$20.83 | C$40.17 | C$50.00 |
| Saskatchewan | C$29.76 | C$48.08 | C$57.69 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 204
- Vacancies advertised
- 299
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$31.13
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