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Average Firefighters Salary in Bellingham, WA

Firefighters in Bellingham, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $86,120. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong local demand for these essential professionals. The specialized nature of firefighting and the specific needs of the Bellingham community likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $86,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,820.
  • Outlook: Bellingham's firefighter job market appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 270 professionals. The location quotient of 1.4 suggests that this role is more concentrated in Bellingham than the national average, implying a sustained or growing demand for skilled firefighters within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$86,120

The average Firefighters in Bellingham, WA earns+98.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.4

Weekly

$1,656

Monthly

$7,177

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

The salary progression for firefighters in Bellingham typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career development and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$44,730$21.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$64,590$31.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$93,170$44.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$107,650$51.8
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$111,820$53.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$86,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $86,120 and a cost of living index of 100 (matching the national average), firefighters relocating to Bellingham, WA, can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly into purchasing power. The stable cost of living means that the higher salary offers a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with high-paying cities.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

3.019

Per 1K Jobs

1.4

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.40, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

The location quotient of 1.4 for firefighters in Bellingham indicates a job market that is 40% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where employers may need to offer attractive compensation packages to secure and retain talent, reflecting a healthy demand for this profession within the local economy.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Firefighters Salary$73,340↓ 15%24 mi
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Firefighters Salary$97,830↑ 14%80 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Firefighters Salary$91,950↑ 7%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Bellingham, WA is $86,120. This typically ranges from $44,730 for entry-level positions to $111,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 98.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Bellingham, WA is a lucrative place for firefighters.Firefighters in Bellingham earn an average of $86,120 annually, nearly double the national average, while the cost of living remains at the national average.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($73,340) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

How does the Bellingham firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Bellingham, WA is $86,120, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Bellingham compared to the rest of the US?

Bellingham has a location quotient of 1.4 for firefighters, meaning the profession is 40% more concentrated there than the national average, suggesting higher local demand.

Does the cost of living in Bellingham affect the firefighter salary?

No, the cost of living in Bellingham is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the higher salary of $86,120 offers strong purchasing power.

How many firefighters are employed in Bellingham, WA?

There are approximately 270 firefighters employed in Bellingham, WA, contributing to the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 3.019 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA