The 21 Best Side Hustles for Firefighters | Firefighter NOW (2023)

paintedfire scheduleDo you work one day and then take two or three days off?

If so, you may only have token flies left in your wallet by the end of the month. If you want to grow your bank account, having a side hustle or second job can help.

So what's the best side job for a firefighter?

Here are 21 side jobs we recommend for firefighters:

  • blogger
  • real estate agency
  • carpenter
  • personal trainer
  • landscape
  • Uber/Lyft conductor
  • bartender
  • the guard
  • CPR trainer
  • waiter
  • Nurse
  • Lawn mower
  • Youth League Coach/Referee
  • mechanical
  • Customer Service Representative
  • dog walker
  • delivery driver
  • emergency technician
  • painter
  • online teacher
  • tow truck driver

In this article, we'll discuss these amazing side hustles in more detail, including how much money you can make, so you can choose the one that's right for you! You won't want to miss it.

21 lucrative but flexible side jobs for firefighters

blogger

The first (and in my opinion the best) side hustle you can do is blogging. This site is run by a firefighter looking to make more money, and there's no reason why you can't.

Your blog doesn't have to be about firefighting, but anything you're passionate about and interested in.

Blogging best practices require that you add content to your blog at least weekly or every other week. To increase your chances of ranking on the first page of Google search results, you must follow the rules of search engine optimization, or SEO.

Use keywords throughout the writing process, and try to post longer content from time to time, such as 2500 or 3000 words or more.

Yes, these posts take a long time to write, but if you get a lot of views, it will be worth the time and effort.

If you're worried about spending money on a domain name, don't worry. Today, you can create a free, professional-looking website in minutes.

How much money can you make blogging?

The answer depends on how often you write, how well your blog ranks, and how much traffic you get.

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heU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)– which we’ll use as a resource throughout the rest of this guide – points out that writers and authors earn $30.39 an hour, which equates to $63,200 a year.

However, the numbers vary widely, and I know of several bloggers who make thousands (if not tens of thousands) per month from their blogs.

If you're really looking for a good guide on how to start blogging, I recommend a book calledincome school. I am a member and have been for a long time.

I hate shoddy and spammy internet marketers, they are nothing like that. They are honest, direct and I highly recommend them. Click this link to view them (income school)。

real estate agency

Sincerely, he's also a realtor/blogger/firefighter. Helping someone find their dream home or sell a property so they can move on to something bigger and better is a great experience, and as a Realtor you do it every time.

You may be hired as part of a real estate team or work as an independent real estate agent. The latter sounds great, especially if your main job is as a firefighter, but it's not necessarily all it sounds like.

You have to find available properties, list them, visit them and negotiate a sale price. Choose to work for yourself or discreetly be part of a team.

When it comes to home showings, while your clients will ask for a time to view the property, it is ultimately up to you (and the owner) when to show the property. Even on firefighting days, you can still give some presentations before or after work.

Displaying attributes is not all there is to it. Once buyers find a home they like, they guide them through the buying process from start to finish. You don't necessarily need to meet the client in person to do this, making real estate a great option for you.

Bureau of Labor StatisticsRealtors and sales agents earn an average of $24.39 an hour, or $50,730 a year.

Again, this number can vary greatly depending on you, your network, and the time and effort you put into growing your business. However, it's not uncommon (at least in my area) to make over $100,000 a year working with multiple agencies.

carpenter/handyman

Maybe your own hands and some tools would be useful. If so, then woodworking might be an area for you to consider outside of firefighting. As a carpenter, you will approve the sketches and plans provided to you, measure supplies for your project, shape and cut materials, and then assemble them.

A carpenter job can be a full-time job in itself, or a side hustle to get money into your bank account. To become a carpenter, all you need is a high school diploma and formal education through an apprenticeship program. Then you can get to work.

(Video) 9 GREAT Side Jobs for Firefighters

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He noted that carpenters earn $24.24 an hour, which equates to $48,330 a year.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's not bad at all!

While formal education isn't necessarily required to become a handyman, it's a great way to earn extra income.

There is currently a huge demand for recruitment services and people are willing to pay top dollar for high quality and professional work.

personal trainer

As a firefighter, first and foremost, you must be in top physical condition to handle the rigors of the job. That means you'll likely be spending a lot of time at the gym, whether it's a gym or your own home gym.

Instead of exercising just for yourself, why not show others the benefits of fitness by taking a side job as a personal trainer?

You can find personal training jobs through gyms or by visiting clients in their own homes. Whichever you choose, you can help your clients achieve all of their fitness goals, whether it's losing weight, gaining muscle, or learning to work harder on themselves through training.

heBureau of Labor StatisticsHe lists the personal trainer's earning potential as $19.42 an hour or $40,390 a year, but that's flexible. If you don't belong to a gym, you set your own prices, which means your earning potential is even higher.

landscape

Do you love spending time outdoors but find that your job as a firefighter doesn't allow you to?

As a gardener, your sideline is taking care of nature and beautifying homes. You'll manage the lawn, trim shrubs, remove overhanging branches, plant flowers, add rocks, create garden walks, and more.

Also, part of the job involves killing pests like wasps, ticks, and mosquitos, but the rest is fun.

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Just like you need to be a carpenter, it is recommended that you have some skills and background to do it. This can be a multi-year apprenticeship, so stop applying for landscape jobs until you are certified.

When I can enter the field,Bureau of Labor StatisticsLandscape architects earn $33.35 an hour, or $69,360 a year.

Plus, there are a few things you can do that are similar to traditional gardening work, but with great results.

For example, I know a guy who bought a stump grinder and he offers a stump grinding service.

Uber/Lyft driver

you have a car, right? Why not make him a driver for popular tax services like Uber or Lyft?

While this may not be for everyone, I know several people who have been drivers who seem to have a lot of experience with this.

Once you're approved to drive for either service (or both), you can put a sticker or sign on your car identifying yourself as an Uber/Lyft driver, and off you go.

Is that so? You check the app to see who needs transportation and where. You then choose to accept the itinerary. Uber or Lyft will take their cut, but you earn the rest, and you get a tip if the customer is generous.

The great thing about being a Lyft or Uber driver is that there is no limit to the money you can make.indeedThe national average salary for such a driving position is $30,513, but it all depends on how eager you are to drive each day, he said.

If you live in a quiet area that is less populated, your income may be more limited than if you live in a bustling city. Still, whether you're looking to becoming a Lyft/Uber driver as your second or third career, it's a great option.

bartender

Serving people drinks is an art, and you'll discover it when you work as a bartender on the sideline. If your fire plans lead to open weekend nights, then a cocktail service is the place for you, allowing you to meet interesting people and always be at the center of the action in your city or town.

There's no doubt that becoming a bartender isn't necessarily easy. You will have to learn the names and ingredients of hundreds of different cocktails and drinks. Then you have to test your knowledge to get a bartender license.

However, depending on where you live or work, the bar you work in may not require a license.

Once you have your license, you can start applying for jobs in bars and restaurants. Keep in mind that some bartending jobs can keep you up late.

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You don't want to stay up too many late nights trying to stay energized to get your firework done, so think carefully about how this side hustle fits into your schedule.

Bureau of Labor StatisticsHe says bartenders make $11.39 an hour, or $23,680 a year, but that doesn’t include the sweet tips that are sure to keep him afloat.

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security / bodyguard

Do you have the ability to stop people from going where they shouldn't be? As a security guard, it is your responsibility to protect valuable information and assets from falling into the wrong hands.

Also, with waiters working, a lot of bars, nightclubs are always looking for security. Maybe you could consider working as a security guard at night.

I did it for two years and it was a great part time gig!

Your job as a security guard can take you to many different places. Maybe you're a security guard at a retail store, bank, office or even a music and entertainment venue.

Either way, having to be on your feet for the entire shift is the only downside. Otherwise, just look mean and intimidating and you'll stand out.

He claims the security guards earn $14.29 an hour, or $29,710 a yearBureau of Labor Statistics

CPR trainer

While training as a firefighter, he learned how to perform certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Maybe you've used this feature a time or two before at work.

Why not work part-time as a CPR instructor to keep your CPR skills good and sharp?

His second job is teaching nurses and other medical professionals the secret to perfect CPR.

In most demo scenarios, you'll probably use a mannequin, or you can even perform CPR on a real person. Most CPR instructors are members of the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other medical centers, so start with those organizations when applying.

It's also a profitable side business.CPR Certification Online HQSaying you can make $52,790 a year for reference, some CPR instructors even make closer to $65,000 a year, depending on the location.

If you are really ambitious and have an ACLS or PALS card, you might as well become a lecturer on one of these courses.

You can easily turn this into your own business, offering training services to individuals or businesses to complete new certifications or renew outdated certifications (e.g. daycare centers, dental offices, chiropractic offices, etc.).

waiter

It might be a standard side job, but waitressing isn't ruled out either. Unlike a bartender job, when you work as a server, you're constantly running from table to table, taking orders, serving food, bringing empty plates to the kitchen, and handling bills for customers.

Doing this job well is all about being able to remember commands. Having a lively personality is also helpful because clients will love interacting with you.

This will also help you get more tips, which is crucial for both bartending and cocktail service. that is becauseBureau of Labor StatisticsWaiters and waitresses are said to earn $11 an hour, which equates to $22,890 a year. You need advice to make such a job profitable enough for you.

Nurse

If you think you'll need a long-term side hustle, nursing is a very good option. You will need to spend a lot of time studying nursing to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

You then need to obtain your state license and finally you can start applying for jobs as a registered nurse.

You can even further advance your role by spending more time in medical schoolbecome a nursePhysician or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

As a nurse or nurse practitioner, you help diagnose patients, provide treatment and hopefully save their lives. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen, so keep this in mind if you're planning a career in nursing.

Like bartenders, nurses can have long hours, so try to schedule nursing shifts so you're not fighting fires on the same day.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics statesregistered nurseHe earns $35.24 an hour, or $73,300 a year.nurse practitionerEarn $55.67 an hour, or $115,800 a year.

If you're new to fire departments, you'd be surprised how many firefighters/paramedics double as nurses and medical assistants.

Lawn mower

Do you have an amazing lawn mower that you love to use? Do you sometimes wish you could mow your neighbor's lawn too? Why not put all that extra energy and enthusiasm into a side hustle?

The 21 Best Side Hustles for Firefighters | Firefighter NOW (5)

As a lawn mower, it clears up grass, including some overgrown grass. You can even start your own lawn mowing business,balanceSay it can earn you $5,000 to $50,000 a year when you first start working. If you are more mature, your annual income can be between $160,000 and $250,000.

In fact, I know a firefighter in a neighboring town who started a very successful lawn mowing business and went on to fight fires.

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Keep in mind that mowing is a seasonal job in many parts of the country, so you may need a third part-time job to earn the money (usually snow removal if you live in a place that gets a lot of snow in the winter).

Youth League Coach/Referee

Another great side job for a firefighter is as a youth league coach or referee.

As a coach, you can motivate kids to work as a team, learn their skills and values, achieve victories, and learn the importance of failure. It can also foster a lifelong love of sports in these kids.

If you're a teen referee, you can oversee games and make sure the kids are playing fairly while everyone has a good time.

Glass doorSay as a youth league coach you could make over $40,089 a year. Just make sure you only do paid positions, not volunteer work.

mechanical

He loves to play with his car, and when his friend's car breaks down, he fixes it right away.

It makes you wonder, maybe you can charge based on your driving experience?

Absolutely! As a paid mechanic, you'll diagnose a wide variety of car problems, from the most common to the hard-to-find problems.

It will also perform preventative maintenance, including changing filters, balancing wheels, spinning tires, oil changes and engine tuning.

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You need some training to become a mechanic, but after that you can make about $20.24 an hour, or $42,090 a year, he noted.Bureau of Labor Statistics

Even if you don't know much about cars, oil change places will always want to hire hard-working, ambitious people. This might be a good place to start!

Customer Service Representative

If you love working from home, you don't have to just be a blogger. You can also work in customer service. This work is often remote and requires a high-quality cell phone.

You will be trained on how to deal with customers who will call with questions, comments and yes, sometimes complaints.

Over the phone, you will guide clients through their problems, actively working with them to find viable solutions.

If it happens that he can't help, he redirects the customer to someone who can. Overall, your role in customer service is very important in inspiring customer satisfaction and loyalty to the company you represent.

according toBureau of Labor StatisticsAccording to the data, you can earn $16.69 per hour as a customer service representative, which equates to $34,710 per year.

dog walker

Are you an animal lover? Isn't there enough warm, furry, sweet creatures? Get the most out of the hard work of fighting fires and indulge in a side hustle of dog walking.

When a dog owner has to work or go to school, it's your responsibility to walk someone else's dog.

You can walk one or several dogs at a time, guiding them to the park, around the block, or through the neighborhood. This job is really a win-win as you get to spend time with cute animals and get a lot of exercise as well.

Oh, and hanging out with a pack of puppies is often a great way to meet people, whether as friends or otherwise.

Hourly earnings for dog walkers in the U.S. vary by state; a complete list of salaries can be found at Care.comhere. On average, expect to earn at least $15 an hour.

delivery driver

Earlier, we discussed driving for Uber/Lyft as a side hustle. Another driving-related job you might want to try is a delivery driver.

Now, what you offer will definitely vary.

You can leave pizza, machinery parts, medical equipment, or all sorts of things. You have to pick up the items in addition to the delivery, so you spend a lot of time driving.

Becoming a delivery driver usually requires only a high school diploma. This job, especially when you lift heavy weights, is a great way to get some exercise and get paid.

Speaking of salaryBureau of Labor StatisticsHe said he makes $15.69 an hour, or $32,020 a year.

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However, if you're a firefighter, you're probably responsible for driving some pretty big trucks.

Have you considered getting a CDL and driving a commercial vehicle? You can potentially make a lot of money in your spare time.

First responders/paramedics

The fact that you can serve as an EMT or a paramedic is one of several reasons I urge aspiring firefighters to go to nursing school instead of getting a fire science degree!

If you want to know more, follow this linkParamedics vs Firefighters

Another type of healthcare-related job to consider is working as a first responder, such as a paramedic or first responder. It will work with emergency departments and transfusion clinics to transport people to life-saving medical facilities.

This can quickly become obsolete if part of your firefighting duties includeEMT or Paramedic Jobs, but you can do it part-time.

Also, there is room to grow as you can earn more money by getting certified. Earning certification can be done online, so a position like an EMT fits well into your schedule.

Bureau of Labor StatisticsAs a first responder, he said he earns $17.02 an hour, or $35,400 a year.

painter

Few people want to paint their home or business, but it's a job that needs to be done.

Enter you, professional painter.

Whether alone or with a team, you'll head to the site, paintbrush in hand, prep the walls, and then paint them in exciting new colors.

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In addition to buildings, your job as a painter will allow you to work on larger jobs such as painting bridges, equipment, and machinery. This is a great job if you want to make your mark on the world!

when i was a painter,Bureau of Labor StatisticsSay he earns $19.37 an hour, or $40,280 a year.

Also, as someone who works in real estate, I can tell you that good painters are in high demand! It's an easy and relatively inexpensive way to revitalize an old or outdated property.

online teacher

You have a lot of knowledge in your head and you are happy to share it with the world. As an online teacher, you can do this entirely from the comfort of your own home.

If you are an expert at something, you can teach it to others and make money doing it.

Maybe you teach foreign students to speak English or teach budding musicians to play the guitar. go throughGlass doorThe data shows that you can earn $42,579 per year teaching, which is sure to complement your earnings as a firefighter well.

tow truck driver

The last side job we recommend for firefighters is crane driving. Yes, that's right, another driving job. As a crane driver, you will transport goods such as food, agricultural machinery or equipment over long distances.

Or, if you're feeling ambitious, you could even start your own towing service. Working as an emergency vehicle tow truck driver during storms or other emergencies can be a very lucrative side hustle!

You may be driving for days at a time, and this will fill in the empty days in your schedule when you're not putting out fires.

While physically demanding, being a tow truck driver delivering cargo to its destination can be very satisfying.

You'll need to attend a professional truck driving school to get the job because operating a tow truck is nothing like driving a fire truck. You will also need to obtain a commercial driver's license, or CDL.

Once you find a towing job that suits you, you can make $21.76, or $45,260 a year, he said.Bureau of Labor Statistics

in conclusion

These days, it seems like everyone has a side hustle. As a firefighter, you are no different.

With this list of 20+ great side hustles, you can think about making more money, and you can do what you love, both as your main job and as a side hustle!

FAQs

Do firefighters have side hustles? ›

Starting an online business can be a great way for firefighters to make extra money on the side. You can create and sell products or services related to fire safety, such as home safety kits, fire extinguishers, and other emergency supplies.

Where can firefighters make the most money? ›

Best-Paying States for Firefighters
New Jersey, NJ$84,930
California, CA$80,990
Washington, WA$76,280
New York, NY$72,670
Colorado, CO$68,300
2 more rows

What is the hardest firefighter job? ›

1) Wildlands firefighter

Being a wildlands firefighter is possibly one of the toughest and most intense jobs out there — it involves a lot of carrying heavy things, and hiking up steep slopes and mountains to fight forest fires. A forest fire is a lot bigger than a typical house fire, and way harder to contain.

Can a firefighter make 6 figures? ›

SAN RAMON, Calif. -- Despite ever-tightening budgets, hefty paydays are actually becoming the norm for a lot of firefighters. In 2015, some firefighters with the San Ramon Valley Fire District were making as much as $400,000 a year in total compensation, CBS San Francisco reports.

What is the most stressful jobs firefighters? ›

Firefighting came in second place as the most stressful job, trailing just behind enlisted military personnel. One of the greatest stress factors for firefighters is bearing the heavy responsibility for being entrusted with the safety and well-being of others.

What is the most a firefighter can make a year? ›

Firefighters earn an average yearly salary of $77,640. Wages typically start from $47,850 and go up to $123,750.

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