Firefighter Salary in Seattle, WA
How much does a firefighter make in Seattle? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Seattle's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Seattle.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $61,684 | $102,220 | $144,519 |
| Monthly | $5,140 | $8,518 | $12,043 |
| Biweekly | $2,372 | $3,932 | $5,558 |
| Weekly | $1,186 | $1,966 | $2,779 |
| Hourly | $30 | $49 | $69 |
Seattle vs National Average
How Seattle's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Seattle
About Firefighter
Overview
Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.
Education
High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary
See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Seattle.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
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Cost of Living Calculator
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Rent vs Buy Calculator
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Firefighter Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a firefighter in Seattle, WA is $102,220 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level firefighter professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $61,684 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $144,519 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 24.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Seattle, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.