Public Service Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Firefighter Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median firefighter salary in Bellevue, WA is $78,554 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$78,554
vs State Avg
+$19,122
vs National
+$26,874
Cost of Living
152%

Firefighter Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median firefighter salary of $78,554, which is $19,122 above the Washington state average of $59,432. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $78,554 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Bellevue spans from $44,992 at the 10th percentile to $141,056 at the 90th percentile — a $96,064 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,640, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,640. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level firefighter earns around $48,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,640
+$16,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,040
+$27,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,640
+$42,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $44,992
25th Percentile $58,672
Median (50th) $78,554
75th Percentile $108,224
90th Percentile $141,056

Firefighter Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$76,486
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$56,848
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$52,714
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$47,546
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Firefighter in Bellevue

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Bellevue and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Bellevue may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open firefighter positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Firefighter make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Bellevue, Washington is $78,554 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $44,992 (10th percentile) to $141,056 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,554, a firefighter in Bellevue earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Bellevue's median firefighter salary of $78,554 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $59,432. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $78,554 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Bellevue? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Bellevue require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.