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Firefighters

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 1,622 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 17% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  5. Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Ship Engineers

    Similar work
    +32% pay72 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 32% more—$136,570 vs your $103,521 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Oral Expression
    • Critical Thinking

    New skills to build

    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Installation
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Operation and Control
  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay765 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$96,212 vs your $103,521 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Repairing
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Production and Processing
  • Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

    Somewhat similar work
    +20% pay12,294 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 20% more—$124,706 vs your $103,521 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Building and Construction
    • Multilimb Coordination
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Control Precision

    New skills to build

    • Installation
    • Repairing