Fire Protection at Hill College

Hillsboro, TX · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 2,269 in Hillsboro, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,190 place Hill College below the $51,103 national median for Fire Protection — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 97.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 34% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Fire Protection graduates.

At #28 out of 37 programs, Hill College's financial outcomes for Fire Protection trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

With 16 registered apprenticeships mapped to Fire Protection, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
63
Low End
67
Score
68
High End
Earnings $33,190/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (66% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (150,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$347K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
97.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,570
Out-of-state: $4,720

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Fire Protection graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers $92,430 +3.4% 58%
Fire inspectors and investigators $78,060 +3.8% 71%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
$92,430
+3.4% growth 58% AI-proof
Fire inspectors and investigators
$78,060
+3.8% growth 71% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Fire Protection Career Guide

Explore what Fire Protection graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 37 programs nationwide.

Read the full Fire Protection career guide →

Compare & Explore

Fire Protection Overview

Fire Protection at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hill College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hill College's Fire Protection program score?
At 67/100, the score looks reasonable — but Fire Protection is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Can you still earn well with Fire Protection from Hill College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Can I learn Fire Protection through an apprenticeship instead of Hill College?
The DOL recognizes 16 apprenticeship pathways related to Fire Protection. For students weighing Hill College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Fire Protection graduates from Hill College find jobs?
With approximately 150,900 annual openings across mapped careers, Fire Protection offers a very large employment pool. Hill College graduates enter a market shaped by public safety staffing needs and retirement-driven turnover.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →