Average Firefighters Salary in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas earn an impressive average annual salary of $69,250. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region. The localized pay structure reflects the unique economic landscape and essential service provision in this part of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,080.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals, the firefighter sector in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 1.33 suggests a concentration of these roles above the national average, implying a sustained need for fire services in these communities.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area earns+59.6%above the national average.
$33.3
$1,332
$5,771
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is generally consistent with rising living costs and the increasing complexity of emergency response services nationwide, likely leading to incremental salary increases for experienced professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for firefighters in this region 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 percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the substantial earning potential as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior firefighter roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $38,110 | $18.3 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $51,938 | $25 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $73,130 | $35.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $86,563 | $41.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $99,080 | $47.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,250 in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for those in the profession.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
2.864
Per 1K Jobs
1.33
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.33, Western Washington nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.33 indicates that firefighters are more concentrated in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market where demand for these essential services is higher relative to the general workforce, offering good opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Firefighters Salary | $97,830↑ 41% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Firefighters Salary | $73,390↑ 6% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Firefighters Salary | $91,950↑ 33% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Firefighters Salary | $87,520↑ 26% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Firefighters Salary | $52,830↓ 24% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is $69,250. This typically ranges from $38,110 for entry-level positions to $99,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 59.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this region earn a substantially higher average salary than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Western Washington nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Western Washington nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western Washington nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($97,830) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does the firefighter salary in Western Washington compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is $69,250, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for firefighters in this area?
An LQ of 1.33 means that firefighters are 33% more concentrated in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand or specialized need for these services.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Western Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $69,250 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable region.
What is the total number of firefighters employed in this region?
The total local workforce for firefighters in Western Washington's nonmetropolitan areas is 370 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Western Washington nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.864 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 Western Washington nonmetropolitan area