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Average Firefighters Salary in Washington

Firefighters in Washington state earn a substantial average annual salary of $87,240, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust economy, higher cost of living, and the critical nature of the firefighting profession within its communities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,460.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,000 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 1.05, Washington demonstrates a healthy and slightly above-average concentration of these essential professionals. This indicates a stable demand for firefighters, suggesting a robust job market that aligns with the national average in terms of occupational density, while still supporting competitive wages.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,240

The average Firefighters in Washington earns+101.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.9

Weekly

$1,678

Monthly

$7,270

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for firefighters in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects a clear career ladder and opportunities for substantial earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$41,650$20
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$65,430$31.5
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$93,490$44.9
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$109,050$52.4
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$118,460$57

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$75,795

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal salary of $87,240 is impressive, Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that while firefighters in Washington are well-compensated, a portion of their higher earnings is absorbed by the increased cost of goods and services within the state.

Job Market Context

8,000

Total Jobs

2.26

Per 1K Jobs

1.05

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.05, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates that Washington has a slightly higher concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where demand is consistent with the national trend, but the slightly elevated concentration means employers may have a good pool of qualified candidates to choose from.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Firefighters Salary$97,830↑ 12%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Firefighters Salary$73,390↓ 16%54 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Firefighters Salary$91,950↑ 5%58 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Firefighters Salary$87,520↑ 0%70 mi
Yakima, WA Firefighters Salary$52,830↓ 39%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Washington is $87,240. This typically ranges from $41,650 for entry-level positions to $118,460 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 101.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Washington offers lucrative opportunities for firefighters.The average annual salary of $87,240 significantly exceeds the national average, and the state's slightly higher concentration of the profession suggests sustained demand.

Is Washington a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,830) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does Washington's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Washington earn an average of $87,240 annually, which is more than double the national average of $43,380.

What is the job market like for firefighters in Washington?

With a workforce of 8,000 and a Location Quotient of 1.05, the job market is stable with a slightly higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, indicating consistent demand.

How does the cost of living affect firefighter salaries in Washington?

Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning expenses are higher than the national average. While the salary is high, a portion of it is offset by these increased living costs.

Can firefighter salaries increase with experience in Washington?

Yes, experience is a significant factor in salary growth, with senior firefighters earning considerably more than entry-level positions, reflecting clear career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,000 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.26 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 Washington