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Average Firefighters Salary in Yakima, WA

Firefighters in Yakima, WA, earn an average annual salary of $52,830, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation reflects the specialized demands and essential services provided by these professionals within the local economic landscape. Factors such as local demand and the specific operational needs of the Yakima region contribute to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,830 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,790.
  • Outlook: Yakima, WA, presents a robust job market for firefighters, evidenced by a total local workforce of 400 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.87 indicates a concentration of firefighter jobs nearly double the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a potentially stable employment outlook for those in the profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,830

The average Firefighters in Yakima, WA earns+21.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.4

Weekly

$1,016

Monthly

$4,403

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA

The salary progression for firefighters in Yakima, WA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally 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 distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one climbs the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$35,940$17.3
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$39,623$19
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$37,020$17.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$66,038$31.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$87,790$42.2

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,830

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,830

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $52,830 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, firefighters in Yakima, WA, find their nominal earnings directly align with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary in Yakima is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of unusually high or low living expenses.

Job Market Context

400

Total Jobs

4.033

Per 1K Jobs

1.87

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Yakima, WA has 1.9x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.87 for firefighters in Yakima, WA, signifies a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities, and the demand for skilled firefighters is higher locally than in many other regions, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments and stable employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Firefighters Salary$73,390↑ 39%59 mi
Kennewick-Richland, WA Firefighters Salary$75,320↑ 43%71 mi
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$69,250↑ 31%71 mi
Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$67,550↑ 28%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Yakima, WA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Yakima, WA is $52,830. This typically ranges from $35,940 for entry-level positions to $87,790 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 21.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Yakima, WA offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Yakima earn approximately 21.8% more than the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national index. This combination provides strong purchasing power for their salaries.

Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($73,390) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.

How does the firefighter salary in Yakima compare to the national average?

The average firefighter salary in Yakima, WA, is $52,830, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Yakima, WA?

Yakima, WA has a Location Quotient of 1.87 for firefighters, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is 87% higher than the national average.

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

Yakima's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $52,830 offers good purchasing power locally.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Yakima, WA?

There are approximately 400 firefighters employed in Yakima, WA, contributing to the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 4.033 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 Yakima, WA