Public Service Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Firefighter Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median firefighter salary in Columbia, MD is $60,982 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$60,982
vs State Avg
+$4,134
vs National
+$9,302
Cost of Living
118%

Firefighter Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level firefighter earns around $37,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,360
+$9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,760
+$14,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $34,928
25th Percentile $45,548
Median (50th) $60,982
75th Percentile $84,016
90th Percentile $109,504

Firefighter Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$63,050
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$59,432
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$55,814
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$54,264
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Firefighter in Columbia

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.