GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Firefighter Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$113,053/yr
Typical range: $107,806 – $121,746
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Firefighter salary by experience level in Seattle
Firefighter Salary Progression in Seattle
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $73,485 | $6,124 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $82,906 | $6,909 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $90,443 | $7,537 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $97,979 | $8,165 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $113,053 | $9,421 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $126,620 | $10,552 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $130,011 | $10,834 | +77% |
Current Salary
$113,053
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$126,620
Principal · 14
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Firefighter salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Firefighters in Seattle, WA earn approximately $113K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Firefighter make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $113K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Firefighter in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in Seattle, WA earns $108K–$122K/yr.