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Fire Lieutenant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Fire Lieutenant information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$59.2K

$108.7K

$219.2K

How much do fire lieutenant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire lieutenant in Seattle, WA is $108,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire lieutenant?

Fire Lieutenants are supervisory firefighters who oversee a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at the fire station. They are responsible for ensuring effective firefighting tactics, enforcing safety protocols, conducting training, and managing equipment readiness. Fire Lieutenants serve as the link between firefighters and higher-ranking officers, making critical decisions during emergencies and assisting with administrative tasks. Their leadership helps maintain order and efficiency within their unit, ensuring the safety of both their team and the public.

What are some common challenges fire lieutenants face when leading their teams during emergency incidents?

Fire Lieutenants often encounter the challenge of making quick, high-stakes decisions while ensuring the safety of both their crew and the public. They must maintain clear communication under pressure, coordinate effectively with other emergency responders, and adapt to rapidly changing situations. Balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on operational tasks can also be demanding, especially during large-scale incidents where resource allocation and situational awareness are critical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire lieutenant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Lieutenant, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and typically completion of relevant fire science courses or officer certifications. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire investigation tools, and emergency response software is often required. Strong decision-making, communication, and team management skills set outstanding Fire Lieutenants apart. These competencies ensure effective emergency response, safety of personnel, and successful execution of fireground operations.

What is the difference between Fire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain?

AspectFire LieutenantFire Captain
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/IIFirefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic license, Fire Officer I/II, Fire Officer III/IV (often required)
Work EnvironmentLeading fire crews, supervising daily operations, trainingOverseeing multiple fire crews, managing incident scenes, administrative duties
Employer & IndustryFire departments, emergency servicesFire departments, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonFire Lieutenant vs Fire Captain

Fire Lieutenants typically supervise fire crews and handle daily operational tasks, while Fire Captains oversee multiple crews and manage larger incidents. Both roles require similar certifications and work in fire departments, but Captains often have broader responsibilities and command authority.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Lieutenant jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Fire Lieutenant jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Lieutenant jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Lieutenant jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Fire Lieutenant job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,682 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Entry Level Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic

South Kitsap Fire Rescue

Port Orchard, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Major Function and Purpose

The primary function of the firefighter is to protect the lives and property of the citizens within South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. He/she ensures the preparedness of the station and its staff for emergency response operations by participating in routine training exercises and by maintaining the station and all equipment in a serviceable condition. This is a full-time position.

General Function

Under the general supervision of the lieutenant, the firefighter responds to all emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance, extinguishes fires and provides emergency medical care or other assistance to victims at the scene. In addition, this employee performs routine maintenance to station facilities and inspects all apparatus and equipment, ensuring their readiness for emergency service.

Supervision Responsibilities

The firefighter has occasional supervisory responsibility for the resident firefighters and volunteers in the absence of the station lieutenant.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Responding to fires and emergency medical scenes, suppressing and extinguishing fires, driving apparatus to scene, following procedures to prevent the fire from restarting, providing first aid and emergency medical care to victims at scene, removing victims from hazardous areas.

Controlling or restricting public access to hazardous areas.

Responding to non-emergency or lower priority calls for assistance (i.e., pumping flooded basements).

Use of any or all department equipment as appropriate, assigned, or otherwise required to extinguish fires in structures, grass, wooded terrain, automobiles, etc., including connection and use of fire hoses, aerial ladders, bars, hooks, safety belts, chainsaws, winches, air chisels, basic life support equipment, and other equipment as assigned.

Inspecting apparatus and fire suppression equipment daily to ensure readiness for service, conducting tests on pumping equipment, washing vehicles as needed, inspecting and repairing hoses and couplings.

Performing routine cleaning and maintenance to the station and facilities, performing grounds keeping duties and lawn maintenance, keeping inventory of station supplies and ordering or purchasing more as needed.

Inspecting buildings within South Kitsap Fire & Rescue, drawing pre-fire plans that illustrate basic structural layout, identify any potential hazards and show the location of sprinkler systems and hydrants to be used in the event of an emergency.

Conducting and participating in training exercises.

Providing blood pressure tests at the station as a public service for citizens upon request.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities, to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

The firefighter must possess the ability to work well with others as a team and should be able to learn quickly and follow directions. He/she must have a good working knowledge of mechanical systems. The ability to work effectively under extreme pressure is necessary. In addition, the firefighter should be proficient in the following:

Familiarity with the geographic service area and the surrounding county

Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner

Ability to memorize and recall details (i.e., names, faces, incidents, identification of objects)

Ability to drive and operate firefighting and emergency medical vehicles and equipment under adverse conditions

Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for each citizen's rights

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and volunteers

Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse and stressful conditions (i.e., public harassment, ridicule, critical injuries, death)

Working Conditions

Work is performed both indoors and outside. The employee will have routine exposure to hazards such as fire, extreme heat and smoke. In addition, the employee is required to work in and around unstable structures and may encounter live electrical lines, toxic gases or fumes, and chemical vapors. The employee may also have exposure to blood and/or communicable disease. In the normal course of duties it is often necessary to enter hazardous areas (i.e., fire or automobile accident scenes) which may require the employee to wear protective clothing or equipment.

Contacts and Relationships

The employee has routine daily contact with the public.

Physical Requirements

The employee will routinely encounter emergency situations that may require rapid evacuation of an area in order to avoid personal injury or to provide assistance to another individual, and must therefore have the physical ability to walk and run. He/she must have the dexterity to manipulate standard firefighting tools and equipment, and must be able to lift in excess of 100 pounds. The employee must have the ability to conduct coherent voice communication in person as well as via portable radio and telephone. In addition, the employee will be required to climb ladders and stairs, and work in confined areas.

Recruiting Requirements

High school diploma (or GED)

Valid Driver's License

Ability to successfully complete South Kitsap Fire & Rescue's written entrance examination and agility test

Pass a physical examination

Possess a valid EMT certification

Submit to a background check

Minimum age of 18 years

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.