Pump operator
Also known as: firewoman, pump operator, fire fighter, fire engine pump operator, firefighter, firefighter, pump operator, fireman, pump operator
About this occupation
Pump operators assist firefighting operations by controlling the pumps which supply water and other substances for extinguishing fires. They ensure the substance is delivered in the right amount and under the correct pressure through the firehose.
A specialisation of firefighter.
Essential skills and knowledge
- extinguish fires
- hydraulic fluid
- operate fire extinguishers
- work as a team in a hazardous environment
- manage emergency care situations
- hydraulics
- ensure public safety and security
- fire prevention procedures
- operate hydraulic pumps
- use different types of fire extinguishers
- operate pumps for fire extinguishing
- manage major incidents
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers (O*NET 33-1021.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
- Maintain fire suppression equipment in good condition, checking equipment periodically to ensure that it is ready for use.
- Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
- Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.
- Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.
- Evaluate size, location, and condition of fires.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Management of Personnel Resources, Reading Comprehension, Monitoring
US median pay: US$93,530 a year (2025), 99,140 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Firefighters
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Emergency Management Directors
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.