People asking whether AI will replace firefighters are usually picturing robots and drones rather than chatbots. The labor data answers the narrower question clearly: firefighting is one of the occupations least exposed to generative AI, and US projections expect steady growth.
The short answer: no, not on current evidence. The ILO's 2025 index classes fire fighters as not exposed to generative AI, with a mean task score of 0.18. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 26,800 openings a year. The ILO index measures generative AI, not robots or drones, so it does not speak to firefighting robotics. Projections can change.
How exposed firefighters are
From the ILO's 2025 index, which scores tasks 0 to 1 for generative AI exposure:
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO band | Mean task score |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Fighters | Not exposed | 0.18 |
The score is low because the work is physical, on scene and unpredictable. Report writing is the main exposed task.
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | Grow 4% | About 26,800 |
The BLS says firefighters will still be needed to respond to fires, medical emergencies and wildland fires, even as improved building codes and materials have reduced fire incidents over the long term. Many openings are expected to come from replacing workers who change occupations or retire.
Where AI and robots fit in
- Generative AI: drafting incident reports, summarizing records and supporting training material, all checked by a person. See checking AI output.
- Data tools: mapping, scheduling and risk information used in planning.
- Robots and drones: these are separate technologies the ILO generative AI index does not measure. Where used, they extend what crews can see or reach; they are operated and directed by people.
What stays with firefighters
- Entering and working in dangerous, changing conditions.
- Rescue and emergency medical response.
- Split-second judgment on scene and teamwork under pressure.
- Prevention, inspection and community education.
- Responsibility for decisions that affect lives.
How the job is changing
For firefighters, AI is mostly back-office help with paperwork and planning. The core of the job is physical and human, which is why it sits among the least exposed occupations in the index.
See also will AI replace electricians?, will AI replace nurses? and will AI take my job?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for firefighters at $59,280 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: postsecondary nondegree award. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace firefighters?
Not on current evidence. The ILO classes fire fighters as not exposed to generative AI, and the BLS projects 4 percent US growth from 2025 to 2035.
Will robots replace firefighters?
The ILO index measures generative AI, not robots, so it does not answer this. Robots and drones are tools crews operate; the BLS still projects growth for firefighters.
How exposed are firefighters to AI?
In the ILO 2025 index, fire fighters score 0.18, in the not exposed band.
How do fire departments use AI?
Mainly for drafting reports, summarizing records, training material and planning data, with people checking the output.
Is firefighting a good career?
The BLS projects about 26,800 openings a year from 2025 to 2035, many from replacing workers who retire or change jobs.