salary$73,810 a year$35 an hour · median pay in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$48,500per year
Top pay (top 10%)$98,210per year
Jobs in the area2,510people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Columbia?
Expensive. Rent of $2,291 a month takes 37.2% of the median firefighter salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Firefighter pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Columbia
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Columbia, MD?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area is $73,810 a year ($35 an hour). Most earn between $48,500 and $98,210.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Columbia?
Typical rent of $2,291 a month takes 37.2% of the median firefighter salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area.