Firefighter Apprenticeship in District of Columbia

Wages, programs & career outlook
DC Median Salary
$79,430/yr
+33% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
DC Employment
1,430
Firefighters employed
DC Sponsors
145
Registered programs

District of Columbia Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in District of Columbia across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$61,050
25th %ile
$66,980
Median
$79,430
75th %ile
$92,460
90th %ile
$99,760

Firefighter Apprenticeship in District of Columbia

The $79,430 median wage for Firefighters in District of Columbia significantly exceeds the $48,060 national average across all occupations — a 65% premium that underscores the financial case for this trade.

Compared to the $59,530 national median for Firefighters, District of Columbia pays 33% more. The state ranks among the top-paying markets for this trade nationally.

The employment outlook is solid if unspectacular: 3.4% growth projected through 2034 for Firefighters. What matters more than the growth rate is the 27,100 annual openings — mostly from retirements — that keep demand steady.

District of Columbia's 1,430 Firefighters represent just 0.4% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

The Firefighter apprenticeship uses a hybrid structure — part time-based, part competency-driven — spanning roughly 2 years. You can accelerate through sections where you demonstrate proficiency, particularly in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams.

Program availability in District of Columbia is moderate: 145 registered sponsors across the state. Apprenticeship applicants in major cities will find multiple options; those in smaller markets may need to commute or relocate within the state.

From $61,050 at the 10th percentile to $99,760 at the 90th, Firefighter wages in District of Columbia are fairly compressed. Flat wage structures are common in heavily unionized trades where pay scales are negotiated collectively.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in District of Columbia

145 registered apprenticeship sponsors in District of Columbia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
A Little More Support Washington
AMC Industries, Inc. Washington
AMERICAN HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOC. Washington
Admiral Construction, LLC Washington
Agave Lounge Washington
Alcoa & Concrete & Masonry of DC LLC Washington
Aleman Construction LLC Washington
American Hotel & Lodging Association Washington District Of Columbia
American Job Center (Headquarters) Washington
American Job Center Northeast Washington
American Medical Response Mid-Atlantic, Inc Washington
AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School Washington
Aquil Mechanical Works, LLC Washington
Arctic Innovation System, LLC Washington
BALTIMORE CEMENT MASONS JAC Washington
Blueridge of DC, Inc Washington
Bridges PCS Washington
Build Within (Illinois) Washington District Of Columbia
BuildWithin Washington
BuildWithin, Inc Washington
Building Hope Washington
CAP Innovation Design Washington
CVS Health Washington District Of Columbia
Capital Carpets, Inc Washington
Capital City PCS Washington
+ 5 more sponsors in District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Firefighters earn in District of Columbia?
The median annual wage for Firefighters in District of Columbia is $79,430 as of May 2024. Wages range from $61,050 at the 10th percentile to $99,760 at the 90th percentile.
How long is a Firefighter apprenticeship?
The standard Firefighter apprenticeship is 2 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Should I do a Firefighter apprenticeship or go to trade school?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Firefighters combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Is there demand for Firefighters?
The BLS projects 3.4% employment growth for Firefighters through 2034 — steady demand. About 27100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Firefighter apprenticeship in District of Columbia?
There are 145 registered apprenticeship sponsors in District of Columbia. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Firefighter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $39,715/yr in District of Columbia). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in District of Columbia

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.