Seattle,WA: How to Become a Firefighter

As an aspiring firefighter, your desire to serve the community and protect lives is admirable. Seattle, known for its stunning natural beauty and bustling urban environment, presents a unique opportunity for those seeking a career in firefighting. As the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers a challenging and rewarding environment for firefighters. From fighting forest fires to rescuing people from burning buildings, Seattle firefighters play a crucial role in keeping the city safe.

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If you wish to join the Seattle Fire Department in its fight for a safer city for all, here is all the information you need on how to become a firefighter in Seattle.

Requirements to Become a Firefighter in Seattle

To become a firefighter in Seattle, you will have to meet certain requirements. These are applicable to the date a candidate is hired.

  • Candidate should be 18 years old minimum
  • Candidate should have a high school diploma or a GED at least
  • Candidate must have a valid driver’s license
  • Candidate must have an EMT Certification through Washington State. The selected candidates who do not have the EMT Certification will have to undergo an EMT course offered by the Seattle Fire Department

Hiring Process for Firefighters in Seattle

The hiring process involves clearing a series of tests and checks. These are as follows:

Work Attitudes Questionnaire

This will take one-half hour to complete online

FireTEAM Test

This will include questions on reading, math and mechanical reasoning and will take 2.5 hours to complete in an on-site format

Oral Board Exam

If you pass the first two tests, you will be eligible for the Oral Board exam

Applicants who pass all parts of the hiring process successfully will be placed on a Firefighter Register for that year. The top 25 % of the candidates on the register will be put on a certified hiring list, which is then provided to the Seattle Fire Department for further processing.
Further screening would involve a sustainability assessment, a physical ability test, medical, psychological and background checks and an interview with the Fire Chief.

How Much Do Firefighters Make in Seattle?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for firefighters in the Seattle metropolitan area was $76,280 in 2021. However, firefighters can earn more by taking on additional responsibilities, such as becoming a captain or a training officer. They can also earn overtime pay for working extra hours or responding to emergencies.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Seattle?

The application filing and processing time for a Seattle firefighter can take several months to complete. Following this, the training program would take 15.5 weeks to complete with 700 hours clocked. Candidates who meet these requirements are able to earn the Firefighter I Certification. If you want to complete an undergraduate degree before applying, you will have to spend an additional 2 to 4 years on your educational qualifications.

Career Outlook of Firefighter in Seattle

According to O*Net Online, the employment of firefighters in Seattle is projected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030. This growth is due to the city’s expanding population and the increasing demand for emergency services. Firefighters in Seattle can also take advantage of career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a fire inspector or investigator, a hazardous materials specialist, or a fire chief.