Types of Common Firefighter Work Schedules. Fire service work schedules can vary greatly, with the most common schedules being based on 24-hour shifts. However, other schedules may consist of shorter 8 or 12-hour shifts, or even longer 48-hour shifts.
Schedule Overview
Firefighters generally work in long shifts that include weekends and holidays. These shifts might differ from one city to another. The two most common types of shifts for firefighters are 24 hours on followed by 48 hours off, or 10- to 12-hour shifts for three to four days in a row.
If you're planning to become a full-time firefighter, you will be working an average of 40 hours a week. This will vary depending on the state, fire station, and your role. Most fire services follow this shift duty system: two days (9am–6pm), two nights (6pm–9am), followed by four periods of 24 hours off.
Once commenced on station, firefighters work a cycle of four days on duty followed by four days off. This amounts to an average of 42 hours per week and consists of two 10-hour day shifts (0800 to 1800) followed by two 14-hour night shifts (1800 to 0800).
When working a 24-hour shift you're obligated to your job for 24 hours. This is most commonly structured as 24 hours on and 48 hours off with this process being repeated every three days. For sustainability; staff must take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and find a consistent sleep routine.
This rotating shift schedule needs 3 teams to work in a 12 hour shift in order to provide 24/7 service. Consequently, the employees will have to work for 2 days, 2 nights, and then have 2 days off in a repeat cycle. D – Day shift, N – Night shift, O – Off day.
At least in my experience, as a medical student and intern, sleeping during a 24+ hour shift is highly unlikely. When on first call for a service, it's often too busy to sleep. That being said, if you ever experience downtime, try to catch some shut-eye when you can.
How much does a Firefighter make in Australia? The average firefighter salary in Australia is $68,336 per year or $35.04 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $60,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $100,596 per year.
The odds of landing a job as a professional firefighter in Australia vary from 0.2% to about 5% of applicants, this means you will probably need to develop some skills if you want to beat the other 95-99.8% of applicants. This takes work, determination and commitment to see the journey through.
There is no age limit. However, applicants must have held a driver's licence for two years by 1 January 2024 (this does not include a learner's permit). Green probationary licences are acceptable.
Of the 121 Fire and Rescue NSW stations with permanent staffing, 104 have 24-hour shift options. Stations have sleeping quarters for staff, who, during their long shifts, respond to calls, train, clean their station house, visit schools and sleep.
Firefighters work a '10/14' shift system which comprises two day shifts (8am - 6pm) followed by two night shifts (6pm - 8am), followed by four days off over an eight day cycle.
Hold Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency. 2. Hold a current Australian driver's licence and have a good driving history. You may also be required to undergo a Police Check and gain a First Aid Certificate.
Generally, no, you will not be allowed to have a beard and will most likely be required to be clean shaven all times while on duty. There's a variety of reasons for this, but there have also been some exceptions and even some legal battles.
The current 56-hour (average) workweek schedule consists of two consecutive 24-hour work shifts (48 consecutive duty hours) followed by four consecutive calendar days off (96 consecutive hours off duty).
The workout consists of three, 10 minute intervals each with a different focus. The first 10 minutes focuses on anaerobic recovery, the second ten minutes on full body strength and the last ten minutes on fire ground related movements.
Who are America's fastest-growing class of millionaires? They are police officers, firefighters, teachers and federal bureaucrats, who, unless things change drastically, will be paid something near their full salaries every year–until death–after retiring in their mid-50s.
Stress. There are many things that can be seen as the hardest part of being a firefighter and are relative to each specific person such as constant training, a horrible sleep pattern, work life balance, diet, & burnout. Stress is one thing that affects each and every person in nearly all aspects of life.
Fire & Rescue NSW Salary FAQs
The average salary for a Permanent Firefighter is $84,904 per year in Australia, which is 0% higher than the average Fire & Rescue NSW salary of $84,904 per year for this job.
1. Surgeon ($457,281) Surgeons were the top-paying job in the country, making an eye-watering $457,281 per year. There are 4,157 in Australia.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that a normal work shift is no more than 8 consecutive hours in a day, with each shift split by at least 8 hours of rest. A normal workweek is 5 such work days. However, this is not binding. OSHA does not penalize employers who demand more.
Night shift work increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It disrupts the body's circadian rhythms—the 24-hour internal “clock” that controls when you sleep and wake. Studies have shown that eating at night alters the body's metabolism.