Social & Community Services
Firefighter
You fight fires, rescue people and respond to disasters.
- Starting salary
- R11 000 – R18 000
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You fight fires, rescue people and respond to disasters.
A day in the life
You train hard, maintain equipment, respond to emergencies and do fire safety inspections.
Skills you need
- Fitness
- Courage
- Teamwork
- Technical rescue
School subjects that help
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Orientation
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Firefighter I & II training
- 3Municipal service
- 4Station officer
Ways in: Work-based training · TVET College · Municipal recruitment. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- Municipal fire academies
- TVET Colleges nationwide
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R11 000 – R18 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R20 000 – R32 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R35 000 – R60 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Get very fit
- • Do a first aid course
- • Learn fire safety and teach it at home
Try this career
Create a fire escape plan for your home and practise it with your family.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.