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Average Firefighters Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA

Firefighters in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $87,520, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of specialized training requirements, the inherent risks associated with the profession, and potentially regional demand factors within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $115,910.
  • Outlook: The local job market for firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater appears robust, with a total workforce of 350 individuals. The location quotient of 1.26 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 26% higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for skilled firefighters in this specific metropolitan area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,520

The average Firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA earns+101.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$42.1

Weekly

$1,683

Monthly

$7,293

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA

Salary progression for firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications, leadership roles, or specialized unit experience can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data would clearly signify this career progression, with senior firefighters earning well above the average.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$63,790$30.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$65,640$31.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$90,180$43.4
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$109,400$52.6
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$115,910$55.7

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$87,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $87,520 for firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates directly into purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.

Job Market Context

350

Total Jobs

2.71

Per 1K Jobs

1.26

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.26, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a location quotient of 1.26, the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area demonstrates a notable concentration of firefighter positions compared to the national benchmark. This suggests that the job market is not only stable but potentially more competitive or abundant in opportunities for qualified candidates than the average U.S. metropolitan area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $87,520. This typically ranges from $63,790 for entry-level positions to $115,910 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is 101.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn nearly double the national average salary. The local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher salary offers greater real purchasing power.

Is Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($91,950) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

How does the firefighter salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is $87,520, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater compared to the rest of the US?

The location quotient of 1.26 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater is 26% higher than the national average, suggesting a stronger presence of this profession in the area.

Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?

No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $87,520 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being diminished by a higher cost of living.

How many firefighters are employed in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area?

There are approximately 350 firefighters employed within the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA area with a job density of 2.71 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.