How Much Do Firefighters Make in Washington, D.C.? 2026 Salary Data

Nationally, firefighters make $63,630 a year on average. See how much firefighters make in every state, ranked.

If you're considering a career in firefighting in Washington, D.C., one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much do firefighters actually make in Washington, D.C.? Is it enough to support a family? And how does it compare to what firefighters earn in other states?

Right now, there are 5 Washington, D.C. firefighter openings with a listed yearly salary on FireJobs (updated Oct 7, 2026); the newest, from Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department, starts at $67,454. For the full picture, we pair that with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage survey (May 2025, published 2026), the official average pay for every firefighter in Washington, D.C.. Let's break it all down.

The average firefighter salary in Washington, D.C. is $79,550 per year (BLS, May 2025, published 2026), which is above the national average of $63,630. Washington, D.C. ranks #5 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. Entry level firefighters can expect to earn around $61,050, while the most experienced firefighters earn up to $99,760 annually.

How Much Do Firefighters Make in Washington, D.C.?

Here are the key numbers for firefighters in Washington, D.C., straight from the BLS:

Federal data: BLS, May 2025 (published 2026)

The median is often the more useful number. Half of Washington, D.C. firefighters earn more than $75,870 and half earn less. The average gets pulled around by a small number of very high earners in the biggest departments.

Firefighter Salary Breakdown in Washington, D.C.

• Entry level: Around $61,050. This is what a probationary firefighter at a smaller or rural department can expect in year one.
• Mid career: Around $75,870. Most firefighters with five to ten years on the job land in this range.
• Experienced / senior: Up to $99,760 and beyond. Top step firefighters, engineers, and lieutenants at the largest departments, especially with overtime and paramedic pay, sit here.

DC Fire and EMS is a single department of roughly 2,000 members that covers the entire District and runs one of the busiest EMS systems in the country. It competes for recruits with the well paid county departments in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Washington, D.C. vs. National Average

At $79,550, the average Washington, D.C. firefighter earns about $15,920 (25%) more than the national average of $63,630. That puts Washington, D.C. at #5 of 50 states. For comparison, California leads the country at $95,090 and the lowest paying state comes in at $36,610.

Washington's cost of living is very high, and most DC firefighters live in the Maryland or Virginia suburbs.

Factors That Affect Firefighter Pay in Washington, D.C.

• Department size and location. Big city departments pay the most. The largest employers are in Washington, D.C..
• Union representation. DC firefighters are represented by IAFF Local 36 and work under a negotiated contract with the District government.
• Certifications. Paramedic certification is the single biggest pay bump for most firefighters, often adding $5,000 to $15,000 a year. Hazmat, technical rescue, and driver/operator certifications add more.
• Overtime. Most departments run 24 hour shifts, and overtime, holiday pay, and call back pay can add 10% to 30% on top of base salary.
• Rank. Promotion to engineer, lieutenant, captain, and chief officer each brings a meaningful raise. Chief officers in Washington, D.C.'s large departments earn well into six figures.

How to Become a Firefighter in Washington, D.C.

The basic path is the same everywhere: meet the age and education requirements, pass a written test and the CPAT physical ability test, clear a background check and medical exam, and complete a fire academy. Many Washington, D.C. departments strongly prefer or require EMT certification, and paramedic certification makes you a much stronger candidate.

We have a full step by step guide: How to Become a Firefighter in Washington, D.C..

Is Being a Firefighter in Washington, D.C. Worth It?

Pay is only part of the picture. Firefighters in Washington, D.C. typically get a defined benefit pension, employer paid health insurance, and a schedule that leaves plenty of days off for family or a second job. Against that you have to weigh the physical toll, the exposure to trauma, and the long term health risks that come with the job. For most people who want this career, the answer is still yes. Just go in with realistic numbers.