If you’re wondering whether it makes sense to invest the time and effort involved in a fire career, there’s good news: projections show strong expected growth throughout the rest of the decade, with a 19% increase – or over 57,000 new jobs – expected by 2020. While there are many very good reasons to consider a fire career, potential earnings may be among the most attractive. Firefighters can earn upwards of $71,000 per year (depending on location and position); in fact, the position of Fire Chief is the highest paying public sector job in the country. For an idea of just how much opportunity there is, check out the infographic below.