Fire Protection at Onondaga Community College

Syracuse, NY · Public · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 4,349 students in Syracuse, NY.

Program Analysis

Onondaga Community College's Fire Protection graduates start at $37,705/yr, trailing the $51,103 national average by 26%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 52.7x 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 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Fire Protection graduates.

At #31 out of 37 programs, Onondaga Community College's financial outcomes for Fire Protection trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $37,705 to $59,653 over five years (58% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

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

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
62
Score
64
High End
Earnings $37,705/yr (-26% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (66% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (150,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$662K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
54.8x
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)
$12,084
Out-of-state: $22,664
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,653
58% growth from Year 1

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 Onondaga Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Fire Protection at Onondaga Community College?
At 62/100, 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.
Why are Fire Protection earnings lower at Onondaga Community 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Fire Protection program at Onondaga Community College?
If Onondaga Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 16 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Fire Protection. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the AI uncertainty for Fire Protection careers?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Fire Protection are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Will Fire Protection graduates from Onondaga Community College find jobs?
With approximately 150,900 annual openings across mapped careers, Fire Protection offers a very large employment pool. Onondaga Community 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 →