The ‘gig economy,’ where people make their living through multiple jobs, is a growing reality for segments of the population. The Harvard Business Review reports that over sixteen million Americans are working independently today, with about 58 percent of all U.S. companies expect to use temporary workers at all levels of employment in the future.
Firefighters, with their unique skill sets and scheduling, are in a great position to make extra income each month thanks to part-time jobs and alternative sources of income. Here are side jobs that would be a perfect fit for firefighters.
1. Handiwork for skilled firefighters
Working with your hands is not only a nice source of secondary income, but is actually a way to help supplement your main job. As a firefighter, possessing a firsthand knowledge of building materials and techniques, as well as being familiar with the use of power tools, may prove useful when working structure fires.
- You can make a profile on Angie’s List or Craigslist and do something as simple as house painting, where people have reported making $50 an hour.
- At least one group of firefighters owns a moving company in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex.
- Depending on the equipment and vehicles you are willing to rent, there are several options in this field such as grinding stumps ($100 - $400 per stump), landscaping, or snow plowing.
- Skilled firefighters are able to make serious money welding, working with swimming pools, flooring, plumbing, or working with carpentry.
- Christmas lights are huge money in the suburbs during the holiday season. At least one firefighter has used his vacation time to install lights, making about $30,000 for a couple months’ worth of work.
There’s a lot of potential to carve out a niche for yourself in the trades, which offer some of the most flexible part-time jobs in terms of scheduling and variety.
2. Per diem EMS work
Any firefighter with EMT or paramedic certifications would be a strong candidate to provide EMS coverage at an amusement park or other special event. It’s relatively fun, low-stress work that allows you to unwind without feeling like you’re working.
You might even receive free tickets or discounts for family and friends.
3. Private security
Private security’s been described as a low-stress job, if you don’t mind working alone. Honestly, you might end up watching Netflix for a lot of your shift, which pays an average of $13.68 an hour.
Looking for something a little more involved? Think about becoming a bouncer. Depending on which venue you work for (and you should find a nice one), security is more for appearances than anything else. You make $75 - $150 a night, take tips for letting people cut in line, and experience some nightlife without a hangover the next day. You may also work with off-duty police officers.
4. Making money through apps and flipping
Have you thought about flipping items online? If you’re okay with the fact that revenue might be more sporadic, flipping is a good way to explore your hobbies and interests and make some cash on the side.
Your margins can be pretty high depending on what you’re selling. Luxury items like handbags can be flipped, but even niche items like LEGO parts have an audience that’s willing to pay premium prices for rare parts. Perhaps you know enough about complicated devices like bicycles or guitars to buy them for cheap and flip them after they’re repaired.
As a side income, Uber, Lyft, Favor, and other similar apps work best when you live in a larger, densely populated city where smart phones are widely used. It’s not particularly glamorous, but a free weekend night could net a couple of a hundred dollars in a pinch.
5. Firefighters make great instructors
Firefighters have to develop a wide variety of skills throughout their careers. Why not share that knowledge with the world and get paid for it, too?
If you have extensive experience as a paramedic, teaching an EMS course and training the next generation of first responders may be a valuable and fulfilling career. Instructors who supplement clinical texts with real-life experience are often memorable and effective teachers.
If you have a passion for fitness, becoming a personal trainer with a six-week NASM or ACE certification could net you about $17 an hour. You’re probably in great shape as it is, and if you market yourself correctly, the average client looking to shed a few pounds would be more than happy to train with an active firefighter.
6. Joining the Army Reserves
Serve your country, receive additional training, and work towards securing another pension. This will interfere with your schedule, but your department is legally required to give you the time off each month.
7. Bartending, waiting tables
This is decent money that’s often paid in cash. It’s a break from the usual routine, and will probably give you enough of a change of pace to not be stressful. Depending on your relationship with management, you may be able to create a flexible schedule for yourself.
8. Transitioning into nursing
Many firefighters are now able to take continuing education courses online to pursue a degree in nursing. This isn’t the easiest option, but it is more lucrative than EMS as a side job and may be something to transition to when your body is no longer able to handle the stresses of firefighting.
If you already have your paramedic certification, some colleges offer a bridge program which will reduce the nursing course load to two years from four.
Did we miss any great part time jobs for firefighters? Let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments below.