Average Firefighters Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Firefighters in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $97,830, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is often driven by the region's specific demands, higher operational costs for fire departments, and the specialized skill set required for the role in a major metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,040.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region supports a local workforce of 4,150 firefighters, with a location quotient of 0.92, indicating a market size that closely mirrors the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a stable and consistent demand for firefighting professionals within this metropolitan area, ensuring a robust job market for those entering or established in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+125.5%above the national average.
$47
$1,881
$8,153
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this period is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for firefighters in a dynamic metropolitan area like Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving training standards typically contribute to upward salary trends in this vital profession.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for firefighters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall towards the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and leadership responsibilities can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career advancement and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $72,110 | $34.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $73,373 | $35.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $102,220 | $49.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $122,288 | $58.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $122,040 | $58.7 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $97,830 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, indicating that the higher pay is balanced by the cost of living in the area.
Job Market Context
4,150
Total Jobs
1.991
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.92x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.92, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area exhibits a firefighter job market concentration that is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and the workforce is substantial, the field is not overly saturated, presenting a competitive yet accessible environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Firefighters Salary | $91,950↓ 6% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $69,250↓ 29% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $67,550↓ 31% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Firefighters Salary | $87,520↓ 11% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Firefighters Salary | $73,340↓ 25% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $97,830. This typically ranges from $72,110 for entry-level positions to $122,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 125.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn nearly double the national average salary. The compensation is well-aligned with the national average cost of living, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($91,950) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $97,830, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compared to the rest of the country?
The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
Does the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue affect the firefighter salary?
The cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary of $97,830 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many firefighters are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area?
There are approximately 4,150 firefighters employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue 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 4,150 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.991 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA