What is the median salary for Firefighters in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Firefighters in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $67,850.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Firefighters?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is -14.6% versus the District of Columbia state median of $79,430.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Firefighters?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +10.5% versus the BLS national figure of $61,399.

What is the salary range for Firefighters in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,490 and the 90th-percentile at $99,940 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.

What education is required for Firefighters?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Firefighters Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$67,850

Mean annual$71,160

Range (10th to 90th)$47,490 to $99,940

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment7,470

State vs national+10.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. firefighters fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $59,520 and $84,940, with a median of $67,850.

Typical entry

Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
4.2 / 5
Education and Training
Knowledge
4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
4.1 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
02
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
03
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
04
Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
05
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
06
Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
07
Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
08
Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Firefighters in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Firefighters in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $67,850.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Firefighters?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is -14.6% versus the District of Columbia state median of $79,430.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Firefighters?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +10.5% versus the BLS national figure of $61,399.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,490 and the 90th-percentile at $99,940 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What education is required for Firefighters?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.