How to Become A Firefighter in Washington

In 2018, the US Fire Administration reported an average of 2.0 deaths and 6.4 injuries per 1,000 fires in the state of Washington. Whereas, the national average was 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries per 1,000 fires.

Should I Become a Firefighter in Washington?

If you want to work as a Firefighter in Washington, you must complete at least a High School Degree and get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. Once hired, all Firefighters are required to complete on the job training at a fire academy and earn Firefighter I/II certification. Other hiring requirements are explained below.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 5% employment increase for this career from 2018 to 2028. BLS reported 324,620 Firefighters in the US in 2019 and this figure is expected to increase by up to 350,000 by 2028. Whereas, 8,060 Firefighters were employed in the state of Washington in 2019.

Steps to Becoming a Firefighter in Washington

Want to work as a Firefighter in the state of Washington? Here is a complete hiring guideline that can help you get employed in this position.

Step-1: Obtain a High School Diploma or a GED

If you want to work as a Firefighter in the state of Washington, you must at least obtain a high school diploma or a GED. It is important to remember that this is just a requirement set by the state. Many local fire departments/stations set additional hiring requirements that require candidates to have completed a college degree in Fire Science.

Step-2: Get Certified as an EMT

Just like numerous other states, Washington also mandates its Firefighters to have earned the Emergency Medical Technician Certification. All candidates must present proof of being a certified EMT at the time of hiring.

Step-3: Take and clear the required tests  

Once a candidate applies for the post of a Firefighter, he/she must go through and clear multiple tests including:

• The CPAT-Candidates’ Physical Ability
• Written test
• Oral interview
• Background check
• Physical exam
• Psychological assessment
• Drug screening

Step-4: On the Job Training

All individuals who clear the hiring process and get hired as Firefighters are mandated to complete on the job training at a Fire Academy. This training provides them with Firefighter I or II certification and they are cleared to begin fieldwork.

Duration to Become a Firefighter in Washington

After completing a high school diploma or a GED, the next step should be to get certified as an EMT. Once you have completed these requirements, you become eligible to apply for this career. After officially applying, the hiring process may take 6 months or more. All candidates must clear multiple tests and get successfully hired to receive on the job training.

Requirements to Become a Firefighter in Washington

Do you want to work as a Firefighter in the state of Washington? If so, then you must:

• Be at least an 18 years old legal US citizen
• Possess at least a high school diploma or a GED
• Have a valid Washington driver’s license
• Clear a complete medical check-up including a physical exam, a psychological assessment, and a drug test
• Have no criminal record
• Pass the CPAT
• Clear the written test
• Possess a valid EMT and Firefighter I/II Certification

How Much Can I Make as a Firefighter in Washington?

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), firefighters in Washington made $76,970 (annual mean income) in 2019.