verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Firefighter Salary in District of Columbia

Median Annual in District of Columbia
$75,870/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$36.48/hr
▲ 28% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

groups Employed in DC
1,480
public U.S. Median
$59,280
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$69,035 #10 of 50

Firefighter pay in District of Columbia, explained

Firefighters in District of Columbia earn a median of $75,870 per year ($36.48 per hour), which is 28% above the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $61,050, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $99,760. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within District of Columbia.

Is $75,870 good pay in District of Columbia?

Adjusted for District of Columbia's cost of living (which runs 110% of the U.S. average), that $75,870 is worth about $69,035 in national buying power — ranking District of Columbia #10 for real pay (vs #7 on the sticker number).

See the full Firefighter Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Firefighter pay by experience in District of Columbia

Entry level (10th pct)
$61,050
$29.35/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$75,870
$36.48/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$99,760
$47.96/hr

Firefighter pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs DC
District of Columbia (here) $75,870 $69,035
Maryland $73,810 $70,323 +$2,060
Virginia $58,670 $58,029 +$17,200

Firefighter in District of Columbia: FAQ

How much do firefighters make in District of Columbia?

Firefighters in District of Columbia earn a median of $75,870 per year ($36.48 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.

Does District of Columbia pay firefighters well?

At $75,870, District of Columbia pays 28% above the national median for firefighters. An estimated 1,480 work in the state.

Firefighter salary in other states

All 50 states ranked arrow_forward

Related careers in District of Columbia