Firefighters have tough jobs. They risk their lives to keep others safe, but many struggle with financial stability because pay doesn’t always match the risks involved. That’s why they often look for a side hustle to earn extra money.
In this article, we’ll explore 35 side jobs for firefighters to help you put your skills to good use, discover new opportunities, and take control of your finances.
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Why Firefighters Need Side Hustles
Being a firefighter is not just a job. For many, it’s a calling. But let’s be honest, the income isn’t always enough.
Most firefighters earn around $78,000 a year, but extended shifts, unpredictable schedules, and high living costs make it hard to get ahead. A side hustle can be helpful. It can provide supplemental income, pay off debt, or help you save for a house or retirement.
The best part? Firefighters often have spare time between shifts. That means you have more chances than you think to earn extra wages.
Leveraging Your Skills and Training
Your time as a firefighter has given you useful skills. Many side hustles match what you already know. Here are some options that may fit your expertise:
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
1. Paramedic
Becoming a paramedic takes your skills as a firefighter further. You’ll handle critical situations and provide advanced life support when seconds count.
Many firefighters choose this path because paramedics are in high demand and pay well. Extra training and certification may be required.
2. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
If becoming a paramedic feels like too much, try working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). EMTs provide general medical care and transport patients to hospitals.
The training is shorter than a paramedic’s, making it easier to start. Many ambulance companies, hospitals, and event organizers hire EMTs, offering extra earning opportunities.
3. CPR Instructor
Teaching CPR can be a way of earning additional money while giving people life-saving skills they will need in times of emergency.
To teach, you first have to receive instructor certification from the American Red Cross or another group. Once certified, you are ready to teach CPR, first aid, and babysitting courses.
Fitness and Wellness
4. Personal Trainer
As a firefighter, you know physical fitness is important. Why not turn your knowledge into a side hustle? Help others get stronger as a personal trainer. Create workout plans for strength, endurance, and flexibility. Use your fitness routine as inspiration.
5. Fitness Coach
If you enjoy pushing people to do their best, try becoming a fitness coach. Your leadership skills from firefighting can help others stay motivated and reach their fitness goals.
You can focus on running, strength training, or training for specific sports. It’s a great side job that fits well with firefighting schedules.
Need help getting started? Check out helpful articles:
Fire Safety and Prevention
6. Fire Inspector
Your fire safety knowledge makes you perfect for this job. As a fire inspector, you’ll check homes and businesses for potential fire hazards. You’ll make sure they follow local safety codes.
This side hustle lets you protect your community while earning extra money. The best part? The schedule is flexible, making it easy to balance with firefighting duties.
7. Fire Safety Educator
Teaching fire safety saves lives. You can conduct workshops, training sessions, and presentations in schools, workstations, and community centers as an educator.
Show people how to prevent fires, react in an emergency, and use safety equipment correctly. It is a great side hustle that helps your community and provides extra income.
8. Sell Fire Safety Products
Turn your fire safety knowledge into a side hustle. Sell fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. You can sell online, at community events, or even door-to-door. It’s a profitable venture with a purpose.
9. Firefighter Training Instructor
Help aspiring firefighters build the skills they need to handle firefighting duties. Teach firefighting techniques, equipment operation, or search and rescue. Your expert advice can prepare the next generation for this tough job. It’s a great side hustle that makes a real impact on public safety.
Other Direct Fire Fighting Related Jobs
10. Hotshot Firefighter
If you want a tough but rewarding side hustle, try becoming a hotshot firefighter. Hotshot crews are highly trained firefighters who battle wildfires in dangerous areas. It demands hard work, long hours, and conditions can be extreme, but it pays well.
11. Firefighter Consultant
Your knowledge of fire safety and risk assessment can help organizations stay safe. You can work as a firefighter consultant, offering expert advice on fire prevention, safety regulations, and emergency plans.
Many companies need help meeting local safety codes and reducing potential fire hazards. It’s a profitable venture.
12. Fire Extinguisher Technician
As a fire extinguisher technician, you can help businesses follow safety regulations and get their extinguishers inspected. You can earn extra income by testing, refilling, and replacing them. It’s a great side hustle with steady demand.
13. Firefighter Public Relations
You can teach people about fire safety, medical procedures during a fire, and fire prevention using your experience. Work with local media, community groups, or schools to spread awareness.
Help others understand potential hazards and safety standards. Your knowledge can make homes and public spaces safer for everyone. A great way to give back.
Exploring Other Profitable Avenues
Online Ventures
14. Start an Online Business
The internet makes starting a side business simple. Sell safety kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency gear online. Teach fire safety through digital courses. Use your skills as a firefighter consultant to help companies follow safety regulations and avoid potential fire hazards.
15. Build a Helpful Website
Love writing? Creating a helpful website can be a smart side hustle. Choose a topic, create useful content, and grow an audience.
Make money online through ads, affiliate links, or selling your products. Over time, a website can offer a stable source of income and open new opportunities.
Whether you want to focus on fire safety education, fitness training, or blogging, you’ll also need to choose the best web hosting to have a successful website. Look at factors such as loading speeds, security, support, and scalability when comparing your options.
16. Freelance Writer
With your fire service experience, writing reports and explaining details is second nature. That makes freelance writing a great side hustle. You can write content about safety, emergency preparedness, or public safety.
17. Author
Ever wanted to write a book? Your firefighting stories could inspire others. Share lessons on fire safety, firefighting duties, or overcoming challenges. Or, write a children’s book to teach kids about fire prevention in a fun way. A book can be a profitable side hustle with a lasting impact.
You can make money with an ebook by selling it on platforms like Amazon Kindle or through your own website for passive income.
Skilled Trades and Services
18. Carpenter/Handyman
Firefighters know how to fix things. Your construction skills and repair experience can help you earn extra cash. Offer handyman or carpentry services in your community. Do home repairs, renovations, or small construction jobs in your spare time.
19. Car Mechanic
Good with tools? Love working on cars? Become a car mechanic. Offer oil changes, brake repairs, and tire rotations for extra earnings. With training, you could even start your small business and turn it into something profitable.
Skilled Trades and Services
20. Landscaper
Do you enjoy working outside? Landscaping could be a great side hustle. Offer lawn care, hedge trimming, and planting flowers. Install irrigation systems for extra income. In winter, switch to snow removal services to keep earning extra cash year-round.
21. Painter
Many firefighters already know how to paint. You can use this skill to earn extra cash. Offer painting services such as painting interiors, exteriors, or even fences. Some of your firefighting equipment, like ladders, might come in handy. It’s a simple, flexible side gig that fits well with unpredictable schedules.
22. Knife Sharpening
This may seem like an odd job, but it can bring in side earnings. All you need are the right tools to sharpen knives for restaurants, chefs, and homeowners. You can also work on scissors, garden tools, and other blades.
23. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing helps people keep their homes and businesses looking clean. You can offer services like washing decks, patios, driveways, and siding. The startup cost for equipment is low. You can earn back your investment fast and start making a profit right away.
Real Estate and Investments
24. Real Estate Agent
Want a side hustle with flexible hours and high pay? Try real estate. Your fire safety knowledge, building safety skills, and problem-solving can help you find great deals. As a real estate agent, you control your schedule. Work during the day, then show houses at night to fit your shifts.
25. Real Estate Investing
Investing in real estate is a smart way to build long-term wealth. Buy rental properties, flip houses, or invest in real estate transactions. Don’t have much money? Start small. Firefighters use real estate to earn side income and achieve their financial goals.
For more online opportunities, here are the best websites to make money online.
Gig Economy and Other Opportunities
26. Delivery Driver
The side gig economy is booming, and delivery driving is a great side hustle for firefighters. You can get paid by delivering food with Uber Eats or DoorDash, or groceries with Instacart. The good thing? You get to choose your hours.
27. Rideshare Driver (Uber/Lyft)
Similar to delivery driving, rideshare driving is another good side hustle. Using your car, you pick up passengers and take them to their destinations. You choose your hours, so it is easy to fit in with your shifts.
28. Resell Furniture Returns
This side hustle is simple. Buy returned furniture from stores at a discount, then sell it for a profit. Many items are like new but cost far less than retail. List them online or take them to local flea markets.
To boost your profits, learn how to sell furniture online the right way in our step-by-step article covering pricing, photos, and the best platforms to use.
29. Bartender
If you like talking to people and know how to mix drinks, bartending is a great side hustle. You can work at bars, restaurants, or private events. The pay is good, and tips can add up fast.
30. Waiter
Like bartending, waiting tables is a simple way to earn extra wages while meeting new people. Many restaurants offer flexible hours so that you can work around your shifts. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced setting, this one’s for you.
31. Dog Walker
Love dogs? Walking dogs is a great side hustle that keeps you moving and earning more money. You receive fresh air, exercise, and excellent time with furry friends. Many pet owners have full-time jobs, and they need someone to help take care of them during the week.
32. Security Guard/Bouncer
Your skills in public safety qualify you for security jobs. You would be an excellent bouncer or security guard, helping people feel safe and resolve difficult situations.
Work in retail stores, office buildings, nightclubs, or bars. The potential for steady pay and relatively flexible schedules makes this a good side hustle.
33. Tow Truck Driver
Consider becoming a tow truck driver. You’ll help stranded drivers and clear roads. You’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and training to operate a tow truck safely.
34. Freelance Photographer
Photography is a great side hustle that can bring extra income, and you can focus on portraits, events, or real estate photography. Use your skills to document fire scenes for insurance claims to take quality photos.
35. Public Speaker
You know how to talk to people and share important safety tips. That makes public speaking a great side hustle for you. You can give talks on fire safety awareness at schools, community events, and businesses. Help others learn fire prevention while earning extra income.
Still looking for more options? You can also run errands for money.
Conclusion
Firefighting is a noble career, but it doesn’t always provide financial security. That’s why many firefighters look for side hustles to earn extra cash and develop new skills.
What side jobs can firefighters do? The answer depends on your strengths, free time, and interests. From consulting to real estate, we’ve listed 35 part-time jobs for firefighters to choose from.
With some effort and creativity, you can boost your income and build a better future.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Pick a Side Hustle: Whether you’re starting a business or offering services, choose a side hustle that matches your skills.
- Boost Online Presence: Use social media and other digital marketing strategies to boost your online presence.
- Start a Firefighting Blog: Set up a blog and earn money through ads and affiliate marketing.
- Choose the Right Hosting: Start small at no cost by choosing free blog hosting services for your website.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
- Side Hustles for Men: 35 High-Paying Gigs
- 49 Proven Online Business Ideas (You Can Start Quickly)
- 36 Side Hustles You Can Do From Home
- 74 Best Low-Cost Business Ideas (& Which is Right for YOU)
- How to Make Money With Your Car
- How to Make Money With Your Dog
- How To Make Money with ChatGPT
- 33 Proven Passive Income Ideas (Online & Offline)
