9 GREAT Side Jobs for Firefighters

[@BigDaddy-dr8gf]

I'am a retired Fire Captain, with 32 years on the job, with a large CA FD. One thing not to do is bring your "side hustle" to work with you. I had a firefighter you was a general construction contractor on the side. He transferred to my station and immediately set up shop to do business at work. He would take calls all day long, spend hours on the phone and drafting work estimates. Other firefighter were complaining that he was not doing his work. He was even taking phone calls while on responses. I sat him down and told him that he could be a firefighter or a contractor, but he was not going to conduct contracting business at work. He was pissed and as soon as he could he put in for a transfer. So be it. DON'T BE THIS GUY.

[@Ajf365]

Thanks big daddy

[@Brickswol]

Lmao, why couldn’t you just fire the douchebag? He’s probably only doing firefighting for the “easy” money. Clearly he doesn’t give a damn about responding to firefighting duties.

[@IrvingOlvera-p6t]

@@Ajf365😂😂😂😂

[@jakem8839]

This is a great video. I recently went on a guided fishing trip and our guide is a full time firefighter, who guides trips and tournament fishes on his days off. Talk about living the dream

[@GoNzo4209]

A buddy of mine is a FF here in California and he delivers pizza on the side. Pizza delivery drivers don't have to claim their tips on their taxes (at least here they don't). He makes minimum wage hourly, but adds about $10 an hour on average from tips. Very easy job for decent pay.

[@randomobserver8168]

I have nothing to do with the firefighting world but saw your videos thanks to the algorithm recently. I'm learning more than a few things about what it's like to be a firefighter and the challenges you all face, and based on the comments it looks like a lot of people who are in that world are benefiting from what you do here. Kudos on adding great content to KZbin!

[@jasonproctor9896]

One of the most important videos right here. All these people that are super negative at the department that say they don't get paid enough, can definitely make their lives better by just doing something on the side

[@geebee6010]

Vast majority of firefighters don't get paid at all.

[@lookingglass9175]

How is wanting fair pay to do an incredibly stressful job super negative?? Most departments work 42, 48, 56 hr work weeks not to mention OT and forced order ins. You shouldn’t need a 2nd job, if you want one that’s another thing. Nothing negative about expecting to be paid fairly, what is negative is you condemning fellow brother/sister firefighters because they want better pay.

[@macroedyys732]

@@geebee6010 not really the same though.

[@geebee6010]

Over 70% of firefighters in the US are volunteer

[@macroedyys732]

@@geebee6010 Yes but it’s not the same as paid.

[@EightiesTV]

The game around here about 30 years ago was the city's paid firefighters would do handyman contracting... On duty... and rush back to the station if they got a call - like a volunteer department where you get full time pay and pension while you're not there, while having a full time job as a contractor on the city's time. They eventually put a stop to that.

[@dean1973Ca]

I really liked how you showed the positives and negative a of each extra income options. A couple of things I might add would be first a warning to not get yourself dependent on the extra money. Rather use it to get pay down debt, put more into a IRA, and or your kids 529 plan. Second, if your going to work a part time gig consider how this part time work is going help you with your main job. If it's not going help you or if it may hurt you, maybe consider working the over time if it is available with your dept. Great site! Great content!

[@Nooneimportant99]

Hey, 29 yo woman here who just applied a few months ago. Finally got a response that I meet the requirements and they are setting up for testing soon. Im excited about the job and also understand the responsibilities that come with it. (After talking to my parents it was this or the Air Force). I have my degree but jobs in my field and area are limited and low paying. I have experience with medical assisting and sports coaching but wanted a change in my career that will still advance on my skill set. I’m glad to know I can potentially do paramedic work and firefighting. I enjoy helping people and hopefully help improve my community. Thank you for advice. You other videos are informative as well.

[@fernyfloresdrummer3568]

My side job is being a musician, money is ok...but i am usually up until 3 or 4 am, it really sux, speciallly when we play out of town.

[@vichernandezii]

My “skilled trade” is very niche: Piano Technology. Before deciding to take this career, I was a full-time piano technician who tuned and repaired pianos for a living.

[@xyz-o6o]

You forgot Pool Lifeguard. This is in Germany not very unpopular. At least in Germany the International Junior Lifesaver certification is mandatory for any full-time firefighter (part-time/paid on call firefighters do not exist in public fire services in Germany), but some departments (mostly those with large rivers,.. in their municipality) demand the International Lifesaver which gives you the opportunity to use that certification (if you pass your re-examinations every two years) for working in public outdoor swimming pools or fun focused indoor ones. One huge disadvantage is, that this kind of work is season-dependent. But most municipalities will offer very flexible schedules. Water rescue at lakes and rivers is primarily done by the local fire service (mostly volunteer, maybe supplemented by full-time personnel) mostly supplemented by fast-intervention teams for water rescue operated mostly by the 100% volunteer DLRG (German Lifesaving Federation) sometimes by also 100% volunteer teams from the German Red Cross. Most beaches are also guarded by DLRG volunteers.

[@muffinlolz1262]

I know of a couple firefighters that were looking into building and leasing out water tenders/engines for wildfires in California. It's an extremely high-paying job. Same as working as a line medic for wildfires as an independent contractor. The last one I mentioned is extremely time-consuming though.

[@austinstadelbauer5772]

100% going real estate, first home I’ll buy is a 3 family home live in it for a few years then I’ll let that pay for itself and my own single family home

[@Deerhunterjs]

I have been doing concrete for the last 10 years, I'm almost 30 and have had some serious injuries from it because I thought I was invincible. It's a great way to earn a living, especially as a side hustle(I've been doing side work for 2 years) since you have the potential to make a lot of money really fast if you have the knowledge and the patience to work with people that watch KZbin or read an article and think they are an expert. Little hint, that's the majority of people I've come across. But I have made a lot of money in a very short amount of time doing it.

[@BryanMariani]

20 years old, start my fire academy at a career department in 2 weeks. I’ve been wholesaling for 8 months, awesome revenue stream, and I haven’t hit these numbers just yet, but with consistency and systems you can easily make $15-30k+ / month. This is if you’re interested in building a REAL business with it’s end goal it being able to run itself w/ employees. Most people wouldn’t stay in the fire service making that type of money, but I personally couldn’t see myself doing anything else long term. If you have any questions feel free to reach out, here to help!

[@CommandoK17]

Where do I start? Hahahah

[@ivantorres1328]

Tips on getting started?

[@nickolassmith-oi8ds]

Hey Mike! Very grateful for your knowledge and expertise and I am a huge supporter of your channel. I am currently awaiting entry interview for fire medic college in Port Charlotte FL. Interview is Tuesday afternoon. Would you be able to advise me on what questions may be asked during this 20 min session? I have spent numerous years as a volunteer FF in CT until we moved to FL and volunteerism isn’t available in most cases. So I decided to take the leap and switch careers at 44 years old! I have been training daily both physically and with the books. Any advice you, or your other channel supporters would have is greatly appreciated! Thanks for your service, time and expertise. It has been beyond helpful and inspiring!

[@xMACHOxMANx]

In fire school now. When i get hired and done with probation. I would like to buy a condo for myself and another place to rent out to someone.

[@MittenISF]

good luck brother

[@spicyshizz2850]

Fire school?

[@xMACHOxMANx]

@@spicyshizz2850 yes fire school

[@spicyshizz2850]

@@xMACHOxMANx I’m trying to know what that is...

[@xMACHOxMANx]

@@spicyshizz2850 it’s where you go train to be a firefighter. Everyone has to go through it.

[@hankaaron3942]

Must be nice to be well rested coming home from your firefighting job. I am too exhausted to think of anything other than sleeping when I get home. Nobody on their deathbed ever said, boy I wish I worked more. The pension is great, love within your means.

[@ronthemogul]

lol who said they were rested ?

[@Spenny.B-From-the_613]

Thank you Sir for the insight as always Living for these late night study sessions on your videos

[@mike_pertz]

Glad you like them!

[@Spenny.B-From-the_613]

@@mike_pertz I look forward to more content !

[@arturogotti3790]

Great video I’ve always been interested in combing firefighting and real estate

[@DapperSapper515]

That's what I did!

[@AustinKaus]

Seriously great content dude. Awesome stuff !

[@aaronsandoval6164]

Mike, I'm loving your videos! Great Job!

[@mike_pertz]

Glad you like them!

[@CosmosGamingChannel]

I just got accepted in fire academy and I am 200/300 hours in to get my dog training CPDT. Figure dog training will be a solid side hustle and dealing with animals instead of people.

[@supremeaction9026]

Thank you. We would love to see another video. Perhaps some 2023 ideas!

[@iliasarroyo]

“Ask a firefighter” question here Context: I have basically no connection, except for a friend who is on the hiring list, in the fire service. I am currently saving up for emt training.Turns out my father’s neighbor is a FF and while shooting the shit the FF told him he would be glad to give me a ride along. How big of a deal is this ride along and when should I cash it in? Should I take it as him just trying to show me the job to see if I would like it, or a more serious opportunity for me to present myself as a potential applicant for their department?

[@Kenny.BPI_inc]

Probably just to show you the environment and what they do. However, everybody knows everybody, and everybody talks so always act accordingly. Good luck to ya

[@jasonproctor9896]

I would take this opportunity as soon as possible and try to introduce yourself to as many people as possible. You gotta get some connections somehow, unless you have an outstanding resume. Do the ride along and try and meet some people at the department

[@gamersguide5484]

Be professional shake people’s hands look them in the eye. Just imagine they’re your future boss. Be early too, obviously.

[@RainForestLeDoux]

I ho on ride alongs.. it's awesome cause they get to know you.. you can network. And they see your work ethic.. plus it's fun as hell. Now when I go to apply after academy, they know my face and my work ethic and we have become friends. Also. I learned about a good local academy from a reserve FF that was applying while I did a ride along.. after his interview they called me in to ask him questions.. he has been helping me along the way too.. great community. Network network network. If you can build a reputation with a department before you apply..... it's a great benifit.. good luck

[@maw800]

I’m a freelance photographer so if I get on and through probation I think I’ll have time for shoots still

[@bradcisek1398]

Nothing like having to work a part time job to make what others make on their full time job working twice the hours of a normal person. Great gig

[@mattduval8974]

Question here: what are some of the pros and cons of working for a larger department vs a smaller department? Love the channel, I appreciate all the help.

[@mike_pertz]

I'm actually working on a video to answer that!

[@spicyshizz2850]

@@mike_pertz this would be awesome to see

[@DapperSapper515]

If you haven't seen his video, here are some I've discovered from friends, family, and common sense. Large: Pros- more overtime, easier to get hired due to spots needing to be filled, shift goes quickly. That's a few out of the many. Cons- call volume is super high, leave might be hard to get depending whether they need you or not, less pay than a smaller department due to how many firefighters are employed by the department. Small: Pros- more down time due to lesser call volume, easier to take leave (depending), more pay, usually more benefits. Cons- shift feels longer due to lack of call volume, less overtime, etc. Again, those are just very few of the very many. Hope this helps.

[@mattbarga7271]

Thank you for this and all of your other videos. I'm a proud parent of a future Fire Fighter as my 18 year old son recently past his F1 and F2 tests, is finishing his EMT training and will be entering the job market when he graduates high school in May 2022. Would like your input on a side job in the Insurance industry since we have a lot of insurance businesses based here in Columbus, OH. Such as an Adjuster or Claims Inspector? Seems like there may be some crossover with the Fire/EMT industry. Thanks again for all of the great videos and information

[@mike_pertz]

Absolutely, that’s a good plan for a side job. Also, if your son goes on to learn a lot about fire investigation/arson investigation insurance companies may become particularly interested in his knowledge/experience.

[@Deerhunterjs]

@@mike_pertz I have a friend that does investigations when he's not working as a firefighter. It's a great income for him as it allows him to write off his expenses for firefighting or investigations depending on which side helps the most, he gets to learn more things in the fire service, and he gets to work his own hours for the most part.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@mike_pertz invest in affiliate marketing, stock market

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@mike_pertz firefighter/swat medic

[@Kefkuh1]

25/hr doing nuclear stress tests and cath lab stuff as a medic right now

[@Kefkuh1]

Also hyperbaric is a good gig down here in south Florida. 20-30 an hour. Needs a medic license

[@biscaynesupercars]

@@Kefkuh1 i’m a firefighter/medic in south florida. Do you have more information on that job?

[@dolphinleary3777]

main income for my zoned reality comic book store is selling of dog food 😎 & toupees especially in the warmer months I remember my first retreat resort payment and everything because I wasn't even 50 months into my red money timeshare lifestyle it's been a great experience but cool video THANKS

[@PaigeWeso]

If you’re comfortable sharing, would you share why you’re getting a law degree?

[@dallasupton]

Poker dealing is another interesting job

[@GlowingSkull27]

What about nursing? I already have all the pre reqs complete in addition to a separate bachelor’s degree in exercise science. I just gotta take the nclex or whatever its called and apply to get into a nursing program.

[@ohatrid]

I make 18 as an EMT the pay isnt that bad (cincinnati, ohio)

[@lukefyke3078]

Hey Mike! So I’ve commented before a little about my progress in the hiring process but I wanted to give you a update and ask a question. I received an offer from a department and start the academy in 2 weeks! So thank you for all the videos because I don’t think I would have made it to this point without them! So my first day I was told that business casual attire is appropriate. I was wondering what this means to you? I was thinking I would wear my suit again and dress down if I needed. Or maybe I should just wear dress pants, shirt, shoes with no tie or jacket. What do you think? Thanks again for all the help!!

[@mike_pertz]

That's awesome man congratulations! Business casual to me would be nice pants and a button up shirt, probably without a tie and no jacket.

[@Simon_Michael2002]

What about a part time security guard you think that would be a decent side job ?

[@usernameunknown5073]

Yes , if you do event gigs or part time security. I would suggest you find out about the events they pay more and are more flexible. Ask questions make connections with other security guards and ask them if they know of jobs and to let you know

[@IMTHATKIDJIT]

I live in South FL and every FF/PMD I know is a realtor lol

[@JonathanLopez-fc1qi]

Hey how are you, can I ask you at what age you became a firefighter?

[@mschrage618]

Jesus Christ what state is he in? Even when this video was made, here in the rural Midwest private paramedics were making at least $20/hr, events typically pay closer to $30

[@ShawnJermaineTV]

If anyone can help I live in CT and I want to be a firefighter, problem is a lot of departments that open up around here require you to basically have all the paramedic training by date of hire. I already have a FT job and have a family to support, how did you guys figure this out?

[@DapperSapper515]

Classes on the side. Join the CT National Guard. Go get the prerequisites done for free all whilst working your FT job. Once you're done, apply. Get hired, then quit your non firefighting job. That's what I did. Except through active duty (which I regret). Whatever, I switched into the Guard after my 6 years active. 9 years in the Army thus far. Hope this helps!

[@RainForestLeDoux]

I found an accelerated emt class that did 5 hours in the evening Tues and Thurs nights (I work 0800-1630) and all day Saturday. I had to sacrifice a day of work and take a pay cut... also pay for the school... but I made that work. I studied all day at work by listening to audio book over and over on chapters we were discussing.. I'm an armed guard, so I stand around alot at work.. I did flashcards on my lunch and studued.. Aug 19th I start fire academy.. same thing. Tues and Thurs over zoom, and all day Sunday at the fire tower.. it's through a community college and it's gonna be tough , but come late December I'll have my emt and firefighter 1 .. I've been doing ride alongs and gotten to know some of the guys so once they have a hiring windows I'm gonna jump on it and they have seen my work ethic and how punctual I am... all things to consider. Hope you figure it out... remember.. the o ly difference between successful people and people who aren't successful... is going and getting shot done.. you can do it. Don't be afraid. Go for it. You're future self will thank you.

[@nicholasmakepeace8748]

Thanks you

[@jordanmayfield57]

One that I didn’t see listed on here was military. I’m looking at joining the National Guard after the academy is finished. Nice benefits that come along with it!

[@DapperSapper515]

Don't. I was active duty - currently National Guard. It's way more than once a month and 2 weeks in the summer. It definitely cuts into your civilian career. Thus, less pay from your civilian job. The benefits aren't what you think either; plus, it's only like $300 for the weekend. So you'll definitely lose money...

[@DapperSapper515]

You're going to regret it. Especially because if you don't go active, and you go straight into the Guard, that's a 6 year commitment at the MINIMUM! That's 6 years of losing pay from your civilian job. Don't do it!

[@DapperSapper515]

Trust me, I regret it. I was 6 years active, in my 3rd year in the Guard. 9 years in the Army total. It isn't what you think, and you're going to lose a TON of money because of it! Just do real estate on the side... WAY MORE MONEY! TRUST ME, man!....

[@GERTGlobal]

What class truck should I have?

[@donnyd4707]

What construction trades and skillsets do you recommend having before entering a career in firefighting ?

[@austinprieto2762]

as many as you can. you’ll learn so much more on the job as long as you have a “i dont know yet but i would love to learn how!” attitude

[@mel-vinceneilson8704]

Can’t you just work overtime?

[@tommygallagher2542]

Would an electrical business be a good side job?

[@mike_pertz]

Definitely

[@ruffxm]

Yes. I was a Local 3 electrician in NYC before being called for FDNY. Sometimes I would trade shifts with some guys and would have 6 or 7 days off to do some electrical gigs.

[@eoinpkav152]

Do you think a side hustle is necessary or do you think a ff salary is enough?

[@sigsourr]

Depends on how you live. If you live alone and in a modest house, then it might be enough. If you sustain a family, then maybe you should look into it

[@matsayre1322]

Wouldn’t just signing up for overtime be better?

[@marcklemoff6940]

It's a decent living, just don't try to life a $100,000 lifestyle on a $60,000/yr job.

[@ccsmith2937]

Get that side hustle on until you age out. Bank that money & stay out of debt. Dave Ramsey has some great stuff. 👍👍Realize only 10% of the USA adult population is out of debt except your mortgage. 👎

[@ccsmith2937]

Working as an EMT or Paramedic in the ER is an option. We are super short in the hospital & it lets you see the continuation of those 911 calls. 👍🇺🇸👍If you want a great retirement job get your Registered Nurse license & bank $30-$90/hr. 👍🇺🇸👍

[@kiddkidd1747]

Can you also travel with it

[@SavageSnake135]

​@@kiddkidd1747 yup

[@kevinmirzaian2449]

Is being color blind a large issue if I am trying to become a firefighter?

[@trent.142]

Nope, even in the NFPA that has changed. You can still be a firefighter if you’re color blind. There are also options with classes and contacts that adjust and help colorblind issues

[@mike_pertz]

nope not at all!

[@Linknasty]

Instead of working for a private ambulance why not start your own.

[@spicypineapples3823]

Can you please go over FDNY Response Videos

[@EICL2011]

I want to be a fire fighter and my life is already annoying. Now getting all these side jobs sure do sound like they will make my life more difficult. Going back to school is a big no from me, so I think I"m screwed.

[@SwissArmyDud]

Caps give away? Cof cof

[@addiprice7976]

Don’t forget DoorDash your Uber eats