GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Firefighter Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$110,162/yr
Typical range: $105,050 – $118,633
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Firefighter salary by experience level in Washington DC
Firefighter Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $71,606 | $5,967 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,786 | $6,732 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $88,130 | $7,344 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,474 | $7,956 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $110,162 | $9,180 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $123,382 | $10,282 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $126,687 | $10,557 | +77% |
Current Salary
$110,162
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $53/hr
Next Level Target
$123,382
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Firefighter salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Firefighters in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $110K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Firefighter make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $110K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $53/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Firefighter in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in Washington DC, DC earns $105K–$119K/yr.