Firefighter Salary in Washington
Based on 8K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$94,520
$45.44/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+64.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $124K
8K employed in Washington
The median Firefighter salary in Washington is $94,520 per year, which translates to about $45 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, by approximately 64.2%. Currently, there are about 7,560 firefighters employed across the state.
Several factors influence a Firefighter salary in Washington. These include years of experience, the specific fire department or district, location within the state, and any specialized certifications or advanced training the individual possesses. The salary range for firefighters in Washington spans from $47,640 to $123,980 annually.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,640 |
| 25th percentile | $72,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $94,520 |
| 75th percentile | $105,540 |
| 90th percentile | $123,980 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $94,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,356 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $94,520 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,356 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $72,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $94,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $105,540 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,980 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Firefighter ($94,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in WA | $102,080 | +8.0% | $49.08/hr |
| Security Guard in WA | $47,100 | -50.2% | $22.64/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in WA | $94,280 | -0.3% | $45.33/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in WA | $95,120 | +0.6% | $45.73/hr |
| Electrician in WA | $95,220 | +0.7% | $45.78/hr |
| Accountant in WA | $96,550 | +2.1% | $46.42/hr |
| Budget Analyst in WA | $96,640 | +2.2% | $46.46/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in WA | $97,250 | +2.9% | $46.75/hr |
| Chemist in WA | $97,420 | +3.1% | $46.84/hr |
| Credit Analyst in WA | $91,160 | -3.6% | $43.83/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in WA | $98,030 | +3.7% | $47.13/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in WA | $98,300 | +4.0% | $47.26/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a firefighter make in Washington?
- The median Firefighter salary in Washington is $94,520 per year, or about $45 per hour. This means that half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, while half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for firefighters in Washington?
- The salary range for firefighters in Washington is quite broad, from an entry-level of $47,640 per year up to $123,980 annually for more experienced professionals.
Is a firefighter salary in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, a Firefighter salary in Washington is considerably higher than the national average. On average, Washington firefighters earn 64.2% more than firefighters in the rest of the country.
What is the number of employed firefighters in Washington?
- There are approximately 7,560 firefighters currently employed across Washington state. This indicates a substantial workforce within the emergency services sector.