A side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training to help you choose between becoming a registered nurse and a firefighter.
| Registered Nurse | Firefighter | |
|---|---|---|
| BLS median salary | $93,600 | $59,530 |
| Typical salary range | $94,000-$135,000 | $60,000-$101,000 |
| Job growth (2024–34) | 5% | 3% |
| Time to job-ready | 16-24 months ABSN | 3-6 months academy |
| Typical training cost | $40,000 | Often paid (earn while you train) |
Registered Nurse has the higher BLS median wage ($93,600), while Firefighter gets you earning faster (3-6 months academy). Registered Nurse has the stronger projected job growth (5% through 2034). Your degree is an advantage in either — use the quiz to see which fits your background, or run both through the ROI calculator against your student loans.
Median wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Training costs and timelines are typical estimates. Data last updated June 2026.