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 Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median firefighter salary of $60,982, which is $4,134 above the Maryland state average of $56,848. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $60,982 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Columbia spans from $34,928 at the 10th percentile to $109,504 at the 90th percentile — a $74,576 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,760, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,760. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

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.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Columbia

Browse open firefighter positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Columbia

How much does a Firefighter make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Columbia, Maryland is $60,982 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $34,928 (10th percentile) to $109,504 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,982, a firefighter in Columbia earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Columbia's median firefighter salary of $60,982 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $56,848. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $60,982 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Columbia? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Columbia require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.