Firefighter Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$75,870
$36.48/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+31.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $100K
1K employed in District of Columbia
The median Firefighter salary in the District of Columbia is $75,870 annually, translating to approximately $36 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, with firefighters in D.C. earning 31.8% more. With 1,480 individuals employed in this role, the District offers competitive compensation for its emergency responders.
Several factors influence the Firefighter salary in the District of Columbia. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals generally earning at the higher end of the $61,050 to $99,760 salary range. Additionally, specific duties, certifications, and the employing agency can impact an individual's pay. Overtime opportunities also contribute to overall earnings.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,050 |
| 25th percentile | $65,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,870 |
| 75th percentile | $92,110 |
| 90th percentile | $99,760 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $75,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,146 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $75,870 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,146 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $92,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,760 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Firefighter ($75,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in DC | $88,650 | +16.8% | $42.62/hr |
| Security Guard in DC | $64,210 | -15.4% | $30.87/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in DC | $75,740 | -0.2% | $36.41/hr |
| Social Worker in DC | $73,310 | -3.4% | $35.25/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in DC | $78,770 | +3.8% | $37.87/hr |
| Electrician in DC | $78,970 | +4.1% | $37.97/hr |
| Pediatrician in DC | $79,240 | +4.4% | $38.10/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in DC | $72,010 | -5.1% | $34.62/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in DC | $79,900 | +5.3% | $38.41/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | +6.1% | $38.69/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in DC | $80,950 | +6.7% | $38.92/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in DC | $80,980 | +6.7% | $38.93/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Firefighter in Washington D.C.?
- The median Firefighter salary in the District of Columbia is $75,870 per year. This means half of all firefighters in D.C. earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in the District of Columbia?
- On an hourly basis, the median Firefighter salary in the District of Columbia is approximately $36 per hour. This reflects the annual median of $75,870.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in D.C.?
- The salary range for Firefighters in the District of Columbia generally falls between $61,050 and $99,760 annually. This wider range accounts for variations in experience and responsibilities.
Is the Firefighter salary in D.C. higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Firefighter salary in the District of Columbia is significantly higher than the national average. Firefighters in D.C. earn 31.8% more than their counterparts across the country.