Firefighter Apprenticeship in Delaware

Wages, programs & career outlook
DE Median Salary
$48,060/yr
-19% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
DE Employment
450
Firefighters employed
DE Sponsors
518
Registered programs

Delaware Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Delaware across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$40,560
25th %ile
$43,770
Median
$48,060
75th %ile
$70,030
90th %ile
$72,380

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Delaware

Firefighters in Delaware earn $48,060/yr — roughly in line with the $48,060 national median across all occupations. The financial case depends on low training costs and strong job security.

At $48,060/yr, Delaware is one of the lower-paying states for Firefighters — 19% below the $59,530 national median. Apprentices here should weigh relocation after completing their term.

The 3.4% projected growth rate for Firefighters signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 27,100 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

Delaware's 450 Firefighters represent just 0.1% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

Hybrid apprenticeships for Firefighters combine the structure of time-based training with the flexibility of competency milestones. Plan on 2 years, though strong performers in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams sometimes finish earlier.

With 518 sponsors on record, Delaware ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

The wage band for Firefighters in Delaware is narrow: $40,560 to $72,380 at the extremes. The $31,820 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Delaware

518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
D & T Heating & Cooling Bear New Castle County
Flowrite Plumbing Bear New Castle County
HNS Plumbing Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Highfield Electric, LLC Bear New Castle County
JJID, Inc. Bear New Castle County
Pace Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Pinnacle Fabricators Bear New Castle County
Reybold Construction Group, LLC Bear New Castle County
Suppi Construction Inc Beat New Castle County
Custom Mechanical, Inc. Bethany Beach Sussex County
Amp Electric, LLC Bridgeville Kent County
Arctec Air Heating & Cooling Bridgeville Kent County
Bridgeville Public Library Bridgeville
J & S Plumbing, Inc. Bridgeville Sussex County
Town of Bridgeville Bridgeville
Alpha Omega DPC Camden
Eastern Shore Energy, Inc. Camden Kent County
Maffia Electric Camden Wyoming Kent County
Power Plus Electrical Contracting, Inc. Cheswold Kent County
Charles Moon Plumbing & Heating Claymont New Castle County
Four Seasons Plumbing Company Claymont New Castle County
Independent Electrical Service Claymont New Castle County
Parker Construction Claymont New Castle County
Bright Electrical Solutions LLC Clayton Kent County
Brothers, Inc. Clayton New Castle County
+ 5 more sponsors in Delaware

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Firefighters earn in Delaware?
The median annual wage for Firefighters in Delaware is $48,060 as of May 2024. Wages range from $40,560 at the 10th percentile to $72,380 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Firefighter through apprenticeship?
A typical Firefighter apprenticeship lasts approximately 2 years (4,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
What's the difference between a Firefighter apprenticeship and 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?
Demand for Firefighters is steady, with 3.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Firefighter apprenticeship in Delaware?
Contact one of the 518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Firefighter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $24,030/yr in Delaware). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Delaware

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