1

Union Firefighter Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Union Firefighter information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$67.5K

$113.3K

How much do union firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for union firefighter in Washington is $67,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union firefighter?

Union firefighters are professional firefighters who are members of a labor union, such as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). These unions represent their members in negotiations for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and safety standards. Union firefighters also benefit from legal representation, training opportunities, and collective bargaining power. Their unions advocate for workplace safety and support their members in disciplinary actions or disputes with employers.

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

Union Firefighters need strong physical fitness, emergency response knowledge, and relevant certifications such as Firefighter I/II and EMT or paramedic credentials. They regularly use firefighting equipment, breathing apparatus, rescue tools, and incident reporting systems. Teamwork, composure under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure firefighters can respond quickly and safely to emergencies, protect lives and property, and work cohesively within their department.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by union firefighters compared to non-union counterparts?

Union firefighters often benefit from collective bargaining agreements that provide job security, standardized pay, and clear grievance procedures. However, they may also face challenges such as adhering to strict union protocols and participating in union-related activities, which can add to their regular firefighting duties. Additionally, unionized environments can sometimes involve complex negotiations regarding shift schedules, promotions, and departmental changes, requiring firefighters to stay informed and actively engaged with union matters.

What is the difference between Union Firefighter vs Non-Union Firefighter?

AspectUnion FirefighterNon-Union Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenseFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license
Work EnvironmentCollective bargaining, union representationIndividual negotiation, less formal representation
Employment BenefitsNegotiated wages, benefits, job protectionsVariable wages, benefits depend on employer
Job SecurityHigher due to union protectionsLess job security, depends on employer policies

Union Firefighters typically benefit from collective bargaining, which secures better wages, benefits, and job protections. Non-Union Firefighters may have more flexibility but often face less job security and fewer negotiated benefits. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but union status influences employment terms significantly.

How much do union firefighters get paid?

Union firefighters' salaries vary by location and experience, but the median annual pay in many regions ranges from $45,000 to $75,000. Experienced firefighters with additional certifications can earn higher wages, and many departments offer overtime, benefits, and pension plans.

Is 25 too late to be a union firefighter?

Union firefighters typically have minimum age requirements around 18 to 21, and there is generally no upper age limit for entry. Being 25 is not considered too late to start training and pursue a career as a firefighter, provided you meet physical and medical standards and complete the necessary certifications. Many departments value experience and maturity, making age less of a barrier for entry at 25.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Union Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Union Firefighter job openings:

Sr. Satellite Policy Associate (Starlink Mobile)

SpaceX

Washington, DC • On-site

$235K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. SATELLITE POLICY ASSOCIATE (STARLINK MOBILE)
SpaceX is developing a breakthrough new Starlink Mobile satellite network to bring ubiquitous cellular connectivity worldwide via the Starlink constellation. We are partnering with telecommunication companies around the world to bring this service directly from satellites to existing cell phones, with the goal of providing coverage anywhere a phone can see the sky. Starlink was designed to connect the disconnected and this new product will greatly expand that mission, extending Starlink's potential reach to billions of existing cellular devices. The applications range from connecting hikers in national parks, emergency workers such as firefighters, rural communities, remote sensors and devices, and people and devices in emergency situations. You can learn more about the next chapter of the Starlink Mobile program here.
Combined with new state-of-the-art satellite technologies, exclusive spectrum, and Starship's unprecedented payload capacity to low-Earth orbit in a single launch, Starlink Mobile's next generation service will deliver unparalleled performance to standard, unmodified cell phones and IoT devices - helping to close coverage gaps and ultimately eliminate mobile dead zones around the world.
In this role, you will drive SpaceX's regulatory and policy strategy to enable this ground-breaking service with a focus on telecommunications regulations, spectrum and satellite policy. You will leverage your strong policy and technical expertise to partner with satellite policy advisors and engineers, ultimately influencing and managing the policy environment for both domestic and international portfolios that enable Starlink to serve people and enterprises on a global scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist with developing and advocating for broadband and spectrum policies that will further SpaceX's business objectives and Starlink's success domestically and internationally
  • Draft pleadings, letters, and other advocacy pieces to promote SpaceX's policy positions
  • Contribute to company satellite spectrum policy and outreach activities with government officials at all levels
  • Represent and promote the company positions before intergovernmental organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union, regional groups, and national administrations
  • Support regulatory practice to secure necessary U.S. licenses, regulatory compliance, and customer support for all SpaceX spacecraft, earth stations, and services for the Starlink program
  • Develop and administer regulatory licensing application preparation, pursuit, and compliance requirements for system and service licensing
  • Provide strategic regulatory advice and advocacy support to business development efforts
  • Advocate to optimize prospective satellite and telecoms regulatory frameworks and policy environments in alignment with SpaceX business objectives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school
  • 5+ years of experience in an engineering discipline or telecommunications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Understanding of broadband and telecommunications policy
  • Understanding of spectrum use and policies
  • Knowledge of radio frequency spectrum technology
  • Experience working with the Federal Communications Commission and other U.S. federal agencies
  • Knowledge of key commercial and government players in the telecommunications/mobile industry
  • Experience working with intergovernmental organizations
  • 5+ years of experience with regulatory and policy matters
  • Knowledge of telecommunications business and regulatory issues outside of the U.S

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time
  • Must be willing to work extended hours or/and weekends as needed
  • This position is based in Washington, DC and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 3: $235,000.00 - $290,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US