Average Firefighter Salary in WashingtonNo State Income Tax
Firefighters in Washington earn an average of $68,475 per year across 1 metro area. This is +19.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$68,475
per year
Hourly Rate
$32.92
per hour
vs National
+19.9%
$57,120 national
Salary Range
$44,966
to $95,498
About Firefighter Careers in Washington
Firefighters respond to fires, accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other hazardous situations to protect lives and property. They are among the most highly respected public servants in the United States, combining physical courage with technical expertise in fire suppression, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling. Beyond fighting fires, modern firefighters spend the majority of their shifts on medical calls, public education, and equipment maintenance.
In Washington, firefighters earn an average of $68,475 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $44,966 for entry-level roles to $95,498 for the most experienced professionals — +19.9% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by paramedic vs. emt certification — paramedics typically earn a 10–20% pay premium, department type — federal firefighters (blm, forest service) and large urban departments pay the most, and the specific metro area within Washington.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$68,475
Cost of Living Index
118
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$58,030
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (above average), a Firefighter's salary of $68,475 has the purchasing power of $58,030 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Washington has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Firefighter Salary by City in Washington
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $68,475 | $32.92/hr | $44,966 | $95,498 | 416 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Washington vs National Average
Firefighter Salary Comparison
Employment in Washington
There are approximately 416 Firefighters employed across 1 metro area in Washington.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Firefighter Salary Range in Washington
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$44,966
Starting salary for new Firefighters
Median (50th Percentile)
$68,475
Mid-career Firefighter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$95,498
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Washington
Firefighter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Firefighter salaries in Washington with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Washington Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in Washington?
The average Firefighter salary in Washington is $68,475 per year ($32.92/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 19.9% above the national average of $57,120.
What is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Washington?
Seattle, WA is the highest paying city for Firefighters in Washington, with a median salary of $68,475 per year.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in Washington?
Firefighter salaries in Washington range from $44,966 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $95,498 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $68,475 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Washington. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.