Firefighter in Kennewick, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

As a local, it’s crucial to understand the financial landscape before you pack your turnout gear. Kennewick isn’t a high-cost metropolis like Seattle or Bellevue, but your firefighter salary goes a long way here compared to the national average. The data tells a clear story.

The median salary for a Firefighter in Kennewick is $56,948 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.38. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120 per year, but don't let that fool you. The cost of living in Kennewick is your secret weapon. With a Cost of Living Index of 99.0 (where the US average is 100), your paycheck stretches further here than in most places in the country.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Tri-Cities region. This is a general guide based on local collective bargaining agreements and market trends.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$52,000 - $58,000	Basic firefighting/EMS, station duties, initial training.
Mid-Level (2-5 Years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Leads small groups, specialized roles (Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue).
Senior (5-10 Years)	$78,000 - $90,000	Company Officer candidate, senior instructor, complex incident command.
Expert/Leadership (10+ Years)	$95,000+	Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief; administrative & strategic roles.

How does Kennewick stack up against other Washington cities? It’s a mixed bag. While the salary number is lower than in Seattle or Tacoma, the value proposition is strong.

City	Median Salary	1BR Rent Avg	Cost of Living Index	"Real Value" Assessment
Kennewick	$56,948	$1,206	99.0	Excellent value. Salary is slightly below national average, but low costs make it highly affordable.
Richland (Tri-Cities)	$58,500	$1,350	101.5	Similar salary, but rent is higher; strong local government job market.
Spokane	$55,200	$1,150	96.5	Slightly lower salary but even lower living costs; larger city amenities.
Seattle Metro	$78,500	$2,100	152.3	High salary but extreme costs. Net take-home may not be much higher.
Yakima	$53,100	$1,050	92.0	Lower salary and lower costs, but fewer specialty opportunities.

Insider Tip: Kennewick Fire Department (KFD) and the Benton County Fire Districts are the primary employers. Salaries are often union-negotiated (IAFF Local 3535), which means predictable step increases and strong benefits. The 10-year job growth of 4% is stable, not booming, which reflects the mature, stable nature of the fire service here. It’s not about rapid expansion, but about filling retirements and maintaining a strong, experienced corps.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the monthly numbers. Using the median salary of $56,948, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single firefighter in Kennewick. We’ll assume a standard federal tax filing and use WA state taxes (no income tax, but 7.65% federal FICA).

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,746
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (22-24%): ~$1,090 (FICA, federal income tax, retirement contributions)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,656
• Average 1BR Rent in Kennewick: $1,206
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Insurance, Savings: ~$2,450

This leaves a comfortable cushion. The rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. At $1,206/month, rent is only about 25% of your gross income—well within the safe range.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, with discipline. The median home price in Kennewick is approximately $380,000. With a 10% down payment ($38,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment (PITI) of around $2,200-$2,400. That’s about 46-50% of your gross income, which is high. However, most firefighters work overtime, which can significantly boost your annual income. Many local firefighters I know buy homes within 3-5 years of starting, often opting for starter homes in neighborhoods like Hedge or Southridge. Dual-income households make it even easier.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

Kennewick’s fire service is a mix of a municipal department and county fire districts. The job market is stable, with hiring cycles tied to retirements and expansion of services (like new stations in growing areas like South Kennewick). Here are the key players:

1. Kennewick Fire Department (KFD): The city's primary department. They run 5 stations covering 25 square miles. They handle everything from structure fires to the busy SR-395 corridor accidents. They are the largest single employer of firefighters in the city proper. Hiring is competitive and happens every 1-2 years.
2. Benton County Fire District 1 (BCFD1): Covers a large area including parts of Kennewick (south and west), Finley, and rural areas. They have a strong focus on wildland interface fires and agricultural hazards. They often partner with KFD on major incidents.
3. Benton County Fire District 2 (BCFD2): Specifically serves the Kennewick Ridge area and the Finley community. It's a smaller district but with a tight-knit team and varied call types.
4. Benton County Fire District 4 (BCFD4): Covers the Southridge and Horse Heaven Hills area. This is a high-growth area, so they have been adding personnel and building new stations. This is a good spot for career advancement.
5. Benton County Fire District 5 (BCFD5): Serves the West Richland and Kiona areas. While slightly outside Kennewick, it's part of the broader Tri-Cities metro and many firefighters live in Kennewick and commute. They have a strong EMS focus.
6. Kadlec Regional Medical Center: While not a fire department, Kadlec is a Level III Trauma Center and the region's largest hospital. Many off-duty firefighters work per-diem as EMTs or Paramedics here. It’s a common side-gig that builds medical skills and income.
7. Washington State Patrol (WSP): The local post in the Tri-Cities handles major incidents on I-82 and US-395. They have a Special Response Team (SRT) that often works alongside local fire departments. A lateral move to WSP is a common career path for some firefighters.

Hiring Trends: Expect a hiring cycle every 18-24 months. The process is rigorous: written exam, CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), panel interview, chief's interview, background check, and medical screening. The 4% growth suggests steady, not explosive, hiring, so being patient and prepared is key.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington has clear, state-mandated requirements. You cannot work as a professional firefighter without proper certification.

1. Firefighter I & II Certification (Through WSCBA):

• What it is: The Washington State Council of Fire Associations (WSCBA) administers the Firefighter I & II certification, which is the state standard.
• How to get it: You must complete a state-approved training academy. This can be done through a community college (like Columbia Basin College in Pasco) or a dedicated fire academy. The academy is typically 14-16 weeks of intensive, live-fire training.
• Cost: $2,500 - $4,000 for the academy (tuition, books, gear). Some departments offer tuition reimbursement upon hiring.
• Timeline: 4-6 months from start to certification.

2. EMT-Basic Certification (The Absolute Minimum):

• What it is: In Washington, you must be an EMT-B to be a firefighter. Most departments expect EMT-B, and many prefer or require Paramedic.
• How to get it: Complete an EMT-B course (usually 1 semester) and pass the National Registry exam.
• Cost: $1,000 - $2,000 for the course.
• Timeline: 3-4 months.

3. Paramedic Certification (The Competitive Edge):

• What it is: A higher level of medical training. In the Tri-Cities, having your Paramedic license makes you a top candidate.
• How to get it: A 12-18 month associate degree program, often at Columbia Basin College.
• Cost: $8,000 - $12,000 (often qualifies for financial aid).
• Timeline: 1.5 years.

Insider Tip: Many successful hires in Kennewick start as EMTs, get hired on a probationary status, and then the department sends them through Fire School and Paramedic school. This is a fantastic path if you can't afford the upfront cost. Always check with the specific department you're applying to for their exact requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Kennewick is easy, with a quick commute to most stations. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and commute.

1. Central Kennewick (Hedge, Downtown):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, close to amenities. Home to older, well-maintained houses.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to any station. Perfect for walking or biking to work.
   • Lifestyle: Great for firefighters who want to be close to parks (like Columbia Park) and restaurants without a long drive.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,300 for a 1BR/1BA apartment.

2. South Kennewick (Southridge, Highlands):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, newer construction. Growing rapidly.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to stations. Slightly longer during peak traffic on Holly Road.
   • Lifestyle: Ideal for firefighters with families. Excellent schools, newer parks, and proximity to the Southridge Sports Complex.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,450 for a modern 1BR/1BA.

3. West Kennewick (Kenny Heights, Canyon Lakes):

   • Vibe: Mixed older and newer homes, with some areas having a more rural feel. Close to the Yakima River.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes. Easy access to I-82 for commuting to other districts.
   • Lifestyle: Good for those who like a bit more space without being too remote. Great for fishing and outdoor activities.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,250 for a 1BR/1BA.

4. Finley (Benton County Fire District 2 Area):

   • Vibe: Semi-rural, agricultural community. Tight-knit and peaceful.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Kennewick proper. A longer commute, but the drive is straightforward on SR-240.
   • Lifestyle: For firefighters who want a quieter, country lifestyle with a short drive to the city. Horse properties and larger lots are common.
   • Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; consider renting a house. ~$1,500+ for a 2BR house.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Kennewick. The "rush hour" is from 7:30-8:00 AM and 4:45-5:15 PM, and it's light. You can live almost anywhere and have a reasonable commute. South Kennewick is the fastest-growing area, so jobs there will be most plentiful in the coming decade.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Kennewick isn't just about fighting fires; it's about building a life. The path is clear, and the opportunities for specialization are real.

• Specialty Premiums: Most departments offer pay incentives for specialized certifications. In the Tri-Cities, these can include:
  • Hazardous Materials Technician: +$100-$200/month.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space): +$100-$200/month.
  • Wildland Firefighter (NWCG Quals): +$50-$150/month, crucial for summer fire season.
  • Paramedic: +$250-$500/month (the biggest premium).
• Advancement Paths: The ladder is straightforward:
  1. Firefighter/EMT (Probationary)
  2. Firefighter/Paramedic (Senior Firefighter)
  3. Engineer/Driver (requires additional driving certification)
  4. Captain (Company Officer, requires leadership training)
  5. Battalion Chief (Shift Commander, requires extensive experience and education)
• 10-Year Outlook: With 4% growth, expect to see new stations in the Southridge and Horse Heaven Hills areas. The focus will be on community risk reduction (fire prevention, public education) and wildland-urban interface mitigation. Advancement to Captain and above will be competitive, with a strong emphasis on leadership skills and community engagement. The Tri-Cities is a stable, growing metro, so your job security is high.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Here’s a final, honest assessment to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Strong Value of Salary: $56,948 goes far with a 99.0 Cost of Living.	Not a High-Salary Market: You'll earn more in Seattle, but your quality of life may suffer.
Stable Job Market: 4% growth and a unionized environment provide security.	Limited Specialties: Fewer niche teams (like swift water) compared to large coastal cities.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Low call volume (1,500-2,500 runs/year per station) means more time at the station vs. running calls.	Summer Fire Season: Wildland fire duty can mean mandatory overtime and deployments.
Outdoor Paradise: Minutes from the Yakima River, lakes, and the Horse Heaven Hills for hiking, fishing, and hunting.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Vibe: It's a family-oriented, suburban city. If you want a bustling nightlife, this isn't it.
Strong Community: The Tri-Cities is a tight-knit region. Fire service is respected.	Political Climate: Eastern WA is more conservative than the west side, which can influence local politics and funding.

Final Recommendation: Kennewick is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. It's ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, and enjoy the outdoors. It may not be the place for someone seeking the highest possible salary or the most intense, big-city call volume. If you want a balanced career where you can thrive both on and off duty, Kennewick is a top contender.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a Paramedic to get hired in Kennewick?
A: For Kennewick Fire Department, EMT-B is the minimum. However, having your Paramedic license makes you significantly more competitive. Many other districts in the county prefer or require Paramedic from day one. Insider Tip: Apply with EMT-B and be prepared to go through their Paramedic program if hired.

Q: What’s the call volume like?
A: It varies by station. A busy station in central Kennewick might run 2,500-3,000 calls per year. A station in a more rural district like Finley might run 800-1,200. The Tri-Cities average is lower than major metros, allowing for more training and station duties.

Q: Is the Cost of Living Index of 99.0 really that good?
A: Yes. It means the overall cost (housing, groceries, utilities, transportation) is 1% below the national average. With a median salary just 0.3% below the national average, your purchasing power in Kennewick is actually better than in many places where the salary is higher.

Q: How do I prepare for the CPAT?
A: The CPAT is a standardized test. Start training 3-6 months out. Focus on stair climbs with weight, dummy drags, and hose pulls. The Kennewick Fire Department and local gy