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Average Firefighters Salary in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA

Firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $75,510, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the region's specific demands, operational costs, and the specialized nature of firefighting services within the Spokane-Spokane Valley metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $75,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,600.
  • Outlook: The Spokane-Spokane Valley region supports a robust workforce of 690 firefighters, with a Location Quotient of 1.25 indicating a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for firefighting services, reflecting the area's development and public safety needs.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$75,510

The average Firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA earns+74.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$36.3

Weekly

$1,452

Monthly

$6,293

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA

Salary progression for firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more. The gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,550$17.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$56,633$27.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$84,290$40.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$94,388$45.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$110,600$53.2

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$75,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$75,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $75,510 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), firefighters relocating to Spokane-Spokane Valley can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly into purchasing power. This means the salary offers a comfortable standard of living relative to the rest of the country, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

690

Total Jobs

2.703

Per 1K Jobs

1.25

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.25, Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.25 for firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley suggests a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment for skilled professionals, as the region relies on a slightly larger pool of firefighters relative to its overall workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Coeur d'Alene, ID Firefighters Salary$62,510 17%30 mi
Lewiston, ID-WA Firefighters Salary$63,070 16%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is $75,510. This typically ranges from $35,550 for entry-level positions to $110,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is 74.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn substantially more than the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, their purchasing power is strong.

Is Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Coeur d'Alene, ID ($62,510) and Lewiston, ID-WA.

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

The average annual salary for firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA is $75,510, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.25, indicating a higher presence of firefighters in Spokane-Spokane Valley compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA affect firefighter salaries?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. This allows the higher Spokane salary to provide good purchasing power.

What is the total number of firefighters in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA workforce?

There are approximately 690 firefighters employed within the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA 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 690 employees in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA area with a job density of 2.703 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.