Regardless of U.S. labor market conditions one constant holds true: Education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment.
According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) the earnings gap between college graduates and those with less education continues to widen. In 2021, median income for recent graduates reached $52,000 a year for bachelor’s degree holders aged 22–27. For high school graduates the same age, median earnings were $30,000 a year.
Those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, 75% more over the course of their lifetime.* In addition to increased earning potential, a bachelor’s degree can provide opportunities for promotion or entry into a new career.
*Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce
People with a bachelor’s degree earn on average
*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.
Fire Protection Administration
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics* (BLS) predicts that employment of firefighters will increase by 4 percent from 2021 to 2031 and employment of fire inspectors and hazardous materials workers is projected to grow 6 percent in the same time period.
Leadership within the fire industry will be increasingly important to ensure operations run smoothly and the emergency needs of communities are met.
Job Opportunities Include:
Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics* (BLS) employment of fire inspectors and investigators is projected to grow 6 percent by 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Fire inspectors will be needed to assess potential fire hazards in newly constructed residential, commercial, public, and other buildings in the coming decade. Fire inspectors will also be needed to ensure that existing buildings meet updated and revised federal, state, and local fire codes each year. Although the number of structural fires occurring across the country has been falling for some time, fire investigators will still be needed to determine the cause of fires and explosions.
Job opportunities include:
Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
Fire protection engineers have some of the highest starting salaries among all college graduates.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics* (BLS) employment of health and safety engineers is projected to grow 4 percent by 2031. As buildings, products, and processes continue to become more complex and new regulations are created, these engineers will be needed to reduce costs, save lives, and produce safe consumer products. A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level positions.
Job opportunities include:
Fire science is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field of study that prepares students for a wide range of career options. A degree can open doors to numerous roles and graduates pursue careers in fire protection administration; fire, arson and explosion investigation; and fire protection and safety engineering technology.
Employers in the fire science field often require a degree for entry-level positions. Having a fire science degree on your resume can increase your chances of landing a job in the field. Moreover, having a degree enhances your opportunities for career growth, promotion into leadership positions, and higher salaries in comparison to those without a degree.
The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.
Services include: