Firefighter in Everett, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the Puget Sound’s economy ebb and flow, and firefighting remains a solid, stable career in Everett. It’s not a path to immense wealth, but it offers a respectable middle-class living with excellent benefits. Let’s break down the numbers with the specifics you need.

First, the baseline: the median salary for a Firefighter in Everett is $59,347 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.53. This figure sits just above the national average of $57,120/year. While the difference isn't staggering, it's meaningful when paired with Washington's lack of a state income tax. The job market is relatively tight, with approximately 222 Firefighter jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn't a boomtown signal, but it indicates steady, reliable demand, likely driven by population growth and retirements in existing departments.

Your actual earning potential will depend heavily on your experience, specialty training, and whether you're with a municipal department like Everett Fire or a larger entity like Snohomish County Fire District #1 (which serves much of the area).

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level. Note that these are consolidated estimates based on local collective bargaining agreements and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level / Probationary	$48,000 - $55,000	This is your first 1-2 years. Expect a structured academy and field training. Salary is at the lower end, but benefits begin immediately.
Mid-Level (3-8 years)	$59,000 - $72,000	You've earned your EMT/Paramedic cert and have seniority. This is where the median salary and local averages typically land.
Senior (8-15 years)	$72,000 - $85,000	Seniority pay steps, potential for engineer/operator roles, and lead firefighter responsibilities kick in.
Expert / Captain	$85,000 - $110,000+	Promotional exams to Lieutenant or Captain come with significant pay increases. Specialty teams (Hazmat, Technical Rescue) also add premiums.

How does Everett compare to other WA cities? It’s a mid-range player. You’ll earn more in Seattle and Bellevue (costs are astronomically higher), but less than in some Eastern WA towns where housing is cheaper. The key for Everett is the balance: a solid wage compared to the cost of living, especially if you’re already in the region or have family nearby.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. The real value here is in the benefits package: Washington’s LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System) is one of the better public pension systems in the country, and health benefits are typically robust. This is a huge part of your total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $59,347, your take-home pay in Washington (no state income tax, but federal and FICA apply) will be roughly $4,150 per month after taxes. Your primary fixed cost will be housing.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Everett is $1,864/month. This isn't cheap, but it's manageable on a single income in this career. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single firefighter earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt.)	$1,864	This is the metro average. You can find cheaper in specific neighborhoods.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season (heating in winter).
Transportation (Car Payment/Insurance/Gas)	$500	Everett is a car-centric city. Public transit (Community Transit) is improving but not a complete substitute.
Food & Groceries	$400	Washington has no income tax, but sales tax (10.1% in Everett) hits groceries and goods.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$300	Assume some debt from paramedic school or a vehicle.
Retirement Savings (post-tax)	$200	Beyond the mandated LEOFF pension contribution.
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Entertain.)	$300	Includes gear maintenance.
TOTAL	~$3,814
Remaining Buffer	~$336	This is tight, but doable. A dual-income household makes this far more comfortable.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but possible, especially if you have a partner with an income. The median home price in Everett is around $600,000. With a $59,347 salary, a 20% down payment ($120,000) is a huge hurdle. However, first-time homebuyer programs in Washington and a stable government job can help with loan qualification. A more realistic path is buying a condo/townhome in the $350,000-$450,000 range, which are more common in the southern parts of the city. The commute from more affordable areas like Marysville or Monroe is an option, but it adds to your daily time and cost.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Everett live in neighboring towns like Mill Creek or Snohomish for more space and better schools, trading a 20-30 minute commute for a lower mortgage payment. It's a common calculation.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The job market for firefighters here is defined by a mix of city, county, and special district employers. It's not just one big department.

1. Everett Fire Department: The primary employer for the city itself. They have 8 fire stations and run a busy mix of medical aid and fire calls. They are consistently hiring, but competition is fierce. They use a testing process that includes a written exam, CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), and panel interviews.
2. Snohomish County Fire District #1: This is a massive, regional fire and EMS provider that serves 13 communities, including Mill Creek, Silver Lake, and parts of unincorporated Everett. They are one of the largest employers in the region for firefighters and paramedics. They often hire in cycles and have a strong paramedic focus.
3. Snohomish County Fire District #8 (Lake Stevens): While slightly north, they are a major employer in the wider area. If you're open to commuting 20-25 minutes, it's a key option.
4. Mukilteo Fire Department: A smaller, well-regarded department just west of Everett (across the Port Gardner Bay). Serves a dense, affluent area with a major Boeing presence. Smaller departments often have longer testing cycles but less competition per opening.
5. South County Fire (Formerly Fire District #7): Serves the southern end of the county, including Edmonds and Lynnwood. It's a large, busy department with a strong medical first-response model.
6. Port of Everett Fire Department: A specialized, industrial fire department protecting the port, naval base, and industrial areas. It’s a niche employer with different requirements and often seeks experience.
7. Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett): Not a fire department, but a critical partner. Many firefighters are also paramedics and work for private ambulance services that contract with hospitals. It's a common side job for career firefighters to gain experience or supplement income.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward paramedic-certified firefighters. If you have or are willing to get your EMT-Paramedic license, your employability increases dramatically. Departments are also focusing on diversity and community engagement, so soft skills and a clean background are non-negotiable.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington’s system is straightforward but has key requirements. You don't get hired as a firefighter and then get licensed; you need the certs to be competitive.

State Requirements:

1. Firefighter I & II Certification: This is the core. You must graduate from a state-accredited fire academy. The most common path is completing it through a community college (like Everett Community College or Skagit Valley College) or a dedicated academy. Cost: $5,000 - $12,000, depending on the program (in-state tuition is lower).
2. EMT-Basic License: Mandatory for most departments. Often part of the Fire Science program. Cost: $1,200 - $2,500.
3. Driver's License: Must be valid. A clean driving record is essential.
4. Background Check: Extensive. Any criminal history, especially involving violence, theft, or DUI, will be an automatic disqualifier.
5. Washington State Patrol Criminal History Check: Required for all applicants.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 0-6: Enroll in a Fire Science/EMT program at a local community college. Study and get in peak physical condition for the CPAT.
• Months 6-12: Complete Fire Academy and EMT-Basic. Pass state exams. Begin applying for jobs. Take CPAT tests for various departments.
• Months 12-24: While applying, consider getting your Paramedic certification (a 1-2 year program). This is the biggest career accelerator.

Insider Tip: Everett Community College is a fantastic starting point. Their program is well-respected, and many local firefighters are alumni. The connections you make there are invaluable for your job search.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Everett directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four options:

Neighborhood	Commute to Everett Fire HQ (Station 1)	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Vibe & Why It's Good for Firefighters
Northwest Everett (Port Gardner)	5-10 minutes	$1,650 - $1,900	Close to the port, naval base, and I-5. Older, more affordable homes. Quick access to work. Good if you work at the Port or Station 1.
Central Everett (Downtown/Riverfront)	10-15 minutes	$1,700 - $2,000	Walkable, with restaurants and bars. Newer apartments and condos. Can be noisy but convenient. Easy access to I-5 and I-405.
South Everett (Airport Way/Anchor)	15-20 minutes	$1,500 - $1,750	More suburban, with larger apartment complexes. Closer to the Boeing Worker’s Credit Union and Silver Lake Park. Good value, but can be traffic-heavy.
Mill Creek (East, just outside city)	20-25 minutes	$1,900 - $2,200	A master-planned community with a town center, great schools, and parks. Popular with families. Commute is manageable via SR 526 or I-5. More expensive but higher quality of life.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and I-405 is a major factor. A job at Everett Fire Station 2 (south end) vs. Station 1 (downtown) can change your commute by 15 minutes. If you get hired, ask about station assignments during the hiring process.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Everett isn't static. Advancement is structured through promotion exams and specialty certifications.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Promotion: The path is typically: Firefighter -> Engineer (driving/operating apparatus) -> Lieutenant -> Captain -> Battalion Chief. Each step requires passing a competitive exam and interview. Pay increases are substantial.
• Specialty Teams: Everett and Snohomish County have teams for Technical Rescue (rope, confined space, trench), Hazmat, and Water Rescue. Getting on these teams often comes with a pay premium (sometimes 5-10% above base) and is a major resume builder.
• Paramedic Certification: As mentioned, this is the single biggest career booster. Many departments offer a paramedic incentive pay, adding $5,000-$10,000 annually to your salary.
• Training & Development: Departments will pay for you to get advanced certifications (Instructor, Officer, etc.). This is a key part of the job.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 4% Growth):
The 4% job growth over 10 years is modest, meaning openings will be primarily for replacements, not expansion. The key will be to position yourself as the ideal candidate when retirements occur. The trend is toward all-hazards response—more medical calls, technical rescues, and community risk reduction. Firefighters who are adaptable, tech-savvy, and excellent communicators will thrive. The pension (LEOFF) remains a powerful incentive to stay in the system for the long haul.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Here’s the bottom-line assessment in a table.

Pros	Cons
Respectable Salary & Top-Tier Pension: The $59,347 median is solid, and the LEOFF pension is a financial game-changer for the long term.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep. A single income is tight.
Stable, Entry-Level Demand: The 222 jobs and 4% growth indicate a reliable market, especially for those with EMT-Paramedic cert.	Competitive Hiring: You need certifications before applying. The process is rigorous and can take 1-2 years.
Diverse Employer Landscape: Multiple departments (city, county, districts) offer varied opportunities and cultures.	Traffic & Commute: Major highways (I-5, I-405) are congested. Location matters greatly.
Proximity to Seattle & Nature: Easy access to a major metro area and incredible outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, water).	Rain & Gray Weather: The Pacific Northwest climate is a major lifestyle factor. If you need constant sun, this isn't it.
Strong Union Presence: Most departments have robust unions ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and benefits.	Medical Call Volume: A large percentage of calls are medical, not fire. The job is very different from the Hollywood version.

Final Recommendation: Everett is an excellent choice for a career-focused individual who is already in Washington or willing to relocate. It’s ideal for someone with EMT/paramedic certification looking for a stable, unionized job with a great pension. It is not for someone looking for a low-cost-of-living area or a quick, easy hiring process. The financial reward is in the long-term benefits, not the immediate salary. If you can handle the weather and the initial cost of certification, Everett offers a sustainable, rewarding career in the fire service.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the hiring process for Everett Fire specifically?
Extremely competitive. They often receive hundreds of applications for a handful of spots. You must pass the written exam, CPAT, and a series of panel interviews. Having your EMT-Basic (and ideally Paramedic) certs, a clean record, and any relevant volunteer or military experience is essential to stand out.

2. Is paramedic certification required to get hired?
It is not universally required, but it is a de facto requirement for the most competitive departments. Snohomish County Fire District #1, for example, strongly prefers paramedics. Everett Fire hires EMT-Basics and puts them through a paramedic program, but having it already gives you a massive edge.

3. What is the CPAT like in Washington?
The CPAT is a standardized test (stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise, forcible entry, search, rescue drag, and ceiling breach). It's a pass/fail physical ability test. Train for it specifically—running, weighted stair climbs, and grip strength are key. Local fire academies and gyms often offer CPAT prep courses.

4. Can I live in Seattle and commute to Everett?
Yes, it's a common reverse commute. The drive is 30-45 minutes without traffic, but can be over an hour during peak times. Many firefighters do it, but you must factor in the cost of gas, wear on your vehicle, and the stress of daily traffic. Living closer to your assigned station is always recommended.

5. What's the best way to network with local firefighters?
Volunteer with a local fire department (if available) or join the Everett Community College Fire Science program. Attend public safety job fairs. Many departments host open houses—you can talk directly to firefighters and get a feel for the culture. Being a known, positive face in the community is a huge advantage.