Fire science programs in Chicago, IL
8 schools within 30 miles of Chicago, IL offer fire science & firefighting programs, and one is in Chicago itself. Firefighters in Illinois earn a median $78,380 a year, according to the BLS.
- Within 30 miles
- 8
- Closest
- 3 mi
- Public colleges
- 8
- Median pay in IL
- $78,380
8 fire science & firefighting schools within 30 mi of Chicago, IL
School results
City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
Chicago, IL · 2.9 mi · Public
- Fire science & firefighting
- Medical assistant
- Nursing assistant (CNA)
- +11
Triton College
River Grove, IL · 9.7 mi · Public
- Fire science & firefighting
- HVAC technician
- Plumbing
- +18
Hear from the best fits near Chicago, IL
One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options.
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL · 13 mi · Public
- Fire science & firefighting
- HVAC technician
- Welding
- +15
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL · 20 mi · Public
- Fire science & firefighting
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +23
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL · 22 mi · Public
- Fire science & firefighting
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +12
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL · 26 mi · Public
- Fire science & firefighting
- HVAC technician
- Welding
- +20
What firefighters earn in Illinois
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
- Median pay
- $78,380
- $37.68 an hour
- Typical range
- $38,900–$106,060
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IL
- 18,400
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +3.7%
- 26,800 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near Chicago
One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.
- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
- Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with
Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
What are the closest fire science & firefighting schools to Chicago?
The closest are City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College (Chicago, 3 mi), Morton College (Cicero, 4 mi), and Triton College (River Grove, 10 mi). In total, 8 schools within 30 miles teach fire science & firefighting.
How much do fire science & firefighting programs near Chicago cost?
For the 8 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $2,829 to $11,607. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.
How much do firefighters make near Chicago?
Across Illinois, the median pay is $78,380 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.
How do I choose a fire science & firefighting school in Chicago?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Fire science programs in nearby cities
- Lombard (17 mi)
- Hammond, IN (18 mi)
- Orland Park (18 mi)
- Arlington Heights (24 mi)
- Aurora (32 mi)
- Joliet (33 mi)
- Elgin (36 mi)
- Waukegan (38 mi)
Other programs near Chicago
- Electrician schools
- HVAC schools
- Construction schools
- Welding schools
- CNC machining schools
- Industrial maintenance schools
- Drafting schools
- Auto mechanic schools
- Medical assistant schools
- CNA classes
- LPN programs
- Phlebotomy classes
- Pharmacy technician schools
- Dental assistant schools
- Dental hygiene schools
- Surgical tech schools