Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in District of Columbia, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in District of Columbia, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | DC |
|---|---|
| Workers | 1,480 |
| 10th percentile | $61,050 |
| Median | $75,870 |
| 90th percentile | $99,760 |
| National median, government employers | $60,050 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pension in District of Columbia
State employees: State public safety
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighters' Retirement Plan - Tier 3 Tier 3 | 2.5% | any age with 25 years of police officer or firefighter service | 8% | Not covered |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the District of Columbia pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in District of Columbia
3 fire departments in District of Columbia, largest Washington, DC Fire & EMS Department, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department, Walter Reed Fire & Emergency Services Division.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for District of Columbia
National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - EMT CertificationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter II Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness-Level Responder CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NTN FireTEAM Firefighter Entry-Level ExamPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Firefighter page.
Firefighter in other states
More government jobs in District of Columbia
District of Columbia government jobs · District of Columbia public pension plans · police officer standards in District of Columbia · exam practice in District of Columbia