salary$66,980 a year$32 an hour · median pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$48,360per year
Top pay (top 10%)$98,770per year
Jobs in the area7,610people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Washington?
Expensive. Rent of $2,370 a month takes 42.5% 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Washington, DC?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $66,980 a year ($32 an hour). Most earn between $48,360 and $98,770.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Washington?
Typical rent of $2,370 a month takes 42.5% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.