Average Firefighters Salary in District of Columbia
Firefighters in the District of Columbia earn a substantial average annual salary of $80,320, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique demands and responsibilities associated with serving a major metropolitan area, coupled with the higher operational costs inherent in such a jurisdiction.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,430 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the District of Columbia presents a stable, albeit slightly below-national-average concentration of this vital profession. The presence of 2.01 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for skilled emergency responders within the nation's capital, suggesting a robust job market for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in District of Columbia earns+85.2%above the national average.
$38.6
$1,545
$6,693
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the District of Columbia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for public services, and evolving safety protocols likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these essential workers.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for firefighters in the District of Columbia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with years of service, specialized training, and leadership roles can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior percentile salaries clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $61,050 | $29.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $60,240 | $29 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $79,430 | $38.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $100,400 | $48.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $99,760 | $48 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,015
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal average salary of $80,320 appears attractive, it's crucial to consider the District of Columbia's Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This index, significantly higher than the national average of 100, indicates that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in D.C. is considerably reduced compared to more affordable regions, necessitating a higher income to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
1,430
Total Jobs
2.01
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 0.93x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of firefighters in the District of Columbia is just slightly below the national average. This indicates a competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly concentrated, meaning opportunities exist but may require strong qualifications and experience to secure.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $52,480↓ 35% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Firefighters Salary | $72,990↓ 9% | 35 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Firefighters Salary | $56,960↓ 29% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Firefighters Salary | $45,680↓ 43% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in District of Columbia is $80,320. This typically ranges from $61,050 for entry-level positions to $99,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 85.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, but with caveats.Firefighters in D.C. earn a significantly higher average salary than the national average. However, the high cost of living means the real purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to more affordable areas.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($52,480) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the firefighter salary in D.C. compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in the District of Columbia is $80,320, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in the District of Columbia?
There are approximately 1,430 firefighters employed within the District of Columbia.
How does the cost of living in D.C. affect a firefighter's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, D.C. is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power is reduced, requiring a higher income to maintain the same lifestyle as in a lower-cost area.
Is the job market for firefighters in D.C. highly concentrated?
The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in D.C. is slightly below the national average, suggesting a competitive but stable job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,430 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 2.01 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Firefighters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in District of Columbia
- All Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Management Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Legal Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other Salary in District of Columbia
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- General and Operations Managers Salary in District of Columbia
- Browse All Jobs in District of Columbia →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia