Washington Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Washington firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Washington firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
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Washington Firefighter Salary — Quick Numbers (2026)
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $80,240):
| Level | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (probation / step 1) | $58,000–$72,000 |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | $76,000–$96,000 |
| Top-step Firefighter | $90,000–$112,000 |
| With overtime (realistic) | $108,000–$145,000 |
| Engineer / Driver-Operator | $98,000–$122,000 |
| Captain | $118,000–$152,000 |
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
| Department | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Fire Department | $70,000–$112,000 | One of the top-compensated departments in the western U.S. Strong IAFF Local 27 contract. High call volume, consistent OT. |
| King County Fire / Districts | $66,000–$106,000 | Multiple county fire districts; competitive with Seattle. |
| Tacoma Fire Department | $62,000–$98,000 | South Puget Sound; active port city with industrial hazmat exposure. |
| Spokane Fire Department | $56,000–$88,000 | Eastern Washington; more affordable metro, growing department. |
| Bellevue Fire Department | $68,000–$108,000 | Seattle tech suburb; Microsoft/Amazon proximity lifts wages. One of the highest-compensated departments in the state. |
Overtime and Premium Pay
Seattle and Bellevue have very high OT. Wildfire season is a major OT driver statewide — Washington regularly has active fire seasons affecting Eastern Washington. Western Washington departments participate in mutual aid during major eastern events.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 2. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 8.49% of gross. LEOFF is well-funded and considered one of the stronger public safety pension systems in the country.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Seattle metro housing is very expensive. No state income tax in Washington is a significant advantage. Spokane and Eastern Washington are substantially more affordable. The tech economy (Amazon, Microsoft) has inflated Seattle/Bellevue housing costs dramatically.
WA Firefighter Career Outlook
Washington is a top-tier firefighter compensation state. No state income tax + strong LEOFF pension + high OT in Seattle = excellent total package. Seattle housing costs are the primary challenge. Spokane offers a strong career at much lower housing cost.
How to Compare Two Washington Departments
- Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
- Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
- Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
- Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
- Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
- Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Washington?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Washington is $80,240. Career firefighters typically earn $76,000–$96,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $108,000–$145,000.
Do Washington firefighters get a pension?
Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters Retirement System (LEOFF) Plan 2. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions approximately 8.49% of gross. LEOFF is well-funded and considered one of the stronger public safety pension systems in the country.
Is Washington a good state for a firefighter career?
Washington is a top-tier firefighter compensation state. No state income tax + strong LEOFF pension + high OT in Seattle = excellent total package. Seattle housing costs are the primary challenge. Spokane offers a strong career at much lower housing cost.
Interested in working as a firefighter in Washington? See firefighter requirements and hiring guide — requirements, CPAT, written exam, and academy explained step by step.
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