Public Service Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Firefighter Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median firefighter salary in Tacoma, WA is $56,848 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$56,848
vs State Avg
$-2,584
vs National
+$5,168
Cost of Living
110%

Firefighter Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level firefighter earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
+$3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,200
+$5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $32,560
25th Percentile $42,460
Median (50th) $56,848
75th Percentile $78,320
90th Percentile $102,080

Firefighter Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$78,554
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$76,486
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$52,714
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$47,546
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Firefighter in Tacoma

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tacoma 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open firefighter positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Firefighter make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Tacoma, Washington is $56,848 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $32,560 (10th percentile) to $102,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,848, a firefighter in Tacoma earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Tacoma's median firefighter salary of $56,848 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $59,432. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $56,848 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Tacoma? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Tacoma 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.