Fire Protection is a focused area of study within Criminal Justice. Graduates typically earn around $86,436 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 488 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 13,533 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Coursework pairs research methods with the applied study of people and institutions.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$67,101
Median Earnings · 4yr
$86,436
Colleges Offering
488
Graduates / Year
13,533
Avg Net Price / yr
$8,469
How Much Do Fire Protection Graduates Earn?
Fire Protection graduates earn $86,436 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,692 and $114,175.
$67,101
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$86,436
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$87,428
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a wide earnings spread across Fire Protection graduates. Degree level and sector drive the gap. Graduate-level government and research roles anchor the top; entry-level social services and nonprofit roles anchor the bottom.
$62,69225th pct.
$86,436Median
$114,17575th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $86,436 against an estimated $33,876 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 52 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 13,533 students who complete Fire Protection programs each year, the majority (53%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
53%20%
Associate's53%
Bachelor's20%
Certificate14%
What Can You Do With a Fire Protection Degree?
Fire Protection connects to 4 occupations in the job market. First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers leads at $93,530/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.
Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson suspects.
Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes, to protect them.
Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.
Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
Supervise and monitor students' use of tools and equipment.
Critical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationService OrientationMonitoring
Day-to-day responsibilities
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
Top Colleges for Fire Protection
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Fire Protection students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Fire Protection program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Fire Protection shows 4 measurable strengths and 0 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $86,436 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 43,900 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 488 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
High upside potentialTop earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $114,175, a strong ceiling for high performers.
Fire Protection Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Fire Protection graduates earn?
Fire Protection graduates earn a national median of $86,436 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,692 and $114,175. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Fire Protection degree?
One year after graduation, Fire Protection degree holders earn a median of $67,101. That climbs to $86,436 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Fire Protection degree?
Fire Protection degree holders pursue careers including First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers, which pays a median of $93,530/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Fire Protection program take?
A Fire Protection associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Fire Protection?
488 colleges and universities in the United States offer Fire Protection programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Fire Protection degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $86,436 and an average net price of roughly $8,469/yr, a Fire Protection degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Fire Protection and Criminal Justice?
Fire Protection is a focused concentration within the broader Criminal Justice field. The Criminal Justice major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Fire Protection-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Fire Protection graduates?
Employers hiring Fire Protection graduates consistently prioritize research methodology, interpersonal communication, and policy understanding. Experience with surveys, qualitative interviews, or statistical tools is often a differentiator in government, nonprofit, and research roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Fire Protection graduates?
With a median salary of $86,436, graduate study in Fire Protection can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Fire Protection graduates?
The job outlook for Fire Protection graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Fire Inspector is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Criminal Justice Programs
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