The State of Washington is a beautiful place full of lush forests, small communities, and bustling cities. It is a great place to live, and if you are searching for a great career that will provide you with a livable salary as well as a job you love, consider becoming a firefighter in Washington. You will not need to have colleges and a degree under your belt to apply, but fire science degrees from two and four-year schools can make you stand out from the competition.
How to Become a Firefighter in Washington
In most areas of the state, you will need to be at least 18 before you can become a firefighter. Other areas, you may need to be 21 years old. Make sure that you check the requirements of your area and department. You also need to have a high school diploma or a GED, as well as a valid driver’s license. Good communication skills are important as well.
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| Anna Maria College | Online BS in Fire Science |
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You can apply to a department and then you will need to pass a written exam. After you pass the written portion of the exam, you will then have to pass the physical agility test at a later date. Make sure that you score well on the written test, as they often only call back the highest scores for the physical test. You should also get your EMT training completed before you apply. After passing all of the different areas and meeting the requirements, you will be eligible for employment. The first six months to a year of employment are usually a probationary period.
Employment Trends for Firefighters
The jobs for firefighters in Washington are hard to come by. People love their jobs, and they don’t simply quite being a firefighter. This means that when the jobs do open, they are hard to get. With the best training programs for fire science under your belt, as well as prime physical conditioning, you will have the advantage over other applicants.
Salary and Employment Facts
The average firefighter salary for those working in Washington is $53,000 per year. A number of factors, such as location in the state, can influence your actual salary.
Firefighter Activity in the News
Although you might not expect it due to the amount of rain the area receives, the state is still at risk of forest fire in certain conditions. Many firefighters in the state know how to fight forest fires as well as structure fires, as they may have to go to many different areas throughout the state and neighboring states to fight fires.