Online Fire Science Degree in District of Columbia: Salary, Schools & Outlook (2026)
Quick answer: District of Columbia employs about 1,480 firefighters (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing runs through your state fire marshal or fire training academy. Programs, the careers this degree opens, and what they pay are below.
Licensing and Credentials in District of Columbia
Firefighter certification is issued at the state level, commonly against the NFPA standards, with certificates accredited through IFSAC or the Pro Board so they carry between agencies. The academic degree is separate: fire science programs generally follow the federal FESHE model curriculum and matter mainly for promotion rather than for initial hire.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with your state fire marshal or fire training academy that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record for this exact area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Firefighters Earn in District of Columbia
Firefighters in District of Columbia earn a median $75,870 per year, above the national median of $59,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Fire Science Pay and Employment in District of Columbia at a Glance
| Metric | District of Columbia | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $75,870 | $59,280 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $61,050 | $34,910 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $65,090 | $44,490 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $92,110 | $77,250 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $99,760 | $101,040 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 1,480 | 345,990 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 0.95 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 3.4% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How District of Columbia Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The District of Columbia median of $75,870 sits above the national median of $59,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 0.95 puts District of Columbia slightly below the national average, so the occupation is a little less common here than in the typical state (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $66,980 | 7,610 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Firefighting is hired municipally, so the relevant market is the metro area and its surrounding departments rather than the national picture.
Firefighters Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), firefighters wages in District of Columbia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 7,610 | $66,980 | $70,910 | $48,360 | $98,770 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
All District of Columbia Metro Areas With Published Data
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do firefighters make in District of Columbia?
The median annual wage for firefighters in District of Columbia is $75,870, above the national median of $59,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $65,090 at the 25th percentile to $92,110 at the 75th.
How many firefighters work in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia holds about 1,480 firefighter jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 345,990, and BLS projects about 27,100 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a firefighter in District of Columbia?
Firefighter certification is issued at the state level, commonly against the NFPA standards, with certificates accredited through IFSAC or the Pro Board so they carry between agencies. The academic degree is separate: fire science programs generally follow the federal FESHE model curriculum and matter mainly for promotion rather than for initial hire. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with your state fire marshal or fire training academy before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a fire science degree online while working in District of Columbia?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies your state fire marshal or fire training academy.
What is the highest-paying area of District of Columbia for firefighters?
Among District of Columbia metro areas with published data, Washington reports the highest median at $66,980 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is District of Columbia a good state for firefighters?
On pay, the state median of $75,870 sits above the national $59,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 0.95 means the occupation is less concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Fire Science programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- EMT career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Firefighters (SOC 33-2011), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.