Entry Level Firefighters:
| Job Title | Entry Level Firefighter |
| Job Status | Full Time |
| Work Week | 48 hours (24 hour shifts) |
| 2025 Monthly Starting Salary | $7,722 (Step 1) |
| Annual Salary | $92,664 |
| Probationary Period | 12 months |
| Benefits | Vacation Sick Leave Retirement- WA State LEOFF and 457 Deferred Compensation Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program Prescription drug coverage |
Lateral Firefighters:
| Job Title | Lateral Firefighter |
| Job Status | Full Time |
| Work Week | 48 hours (24 hour shifts) |
| 2025 Monthly Starting Salary | $8,710 (Step 3) |
| Annual Salary | $104,520 |
| Probationary Period | 12 months |
| Benefits | Vacation Sick Leave Retirement- WA State LEOFF and 457 Deferred Compensation Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program Prescription drug coverage |
Paramedic
Paramedics receive a salary premium to compensate for their training and expertise. 2025 Paramedic premium is 15.0% of Step 5 Firefighter Salary or $1,469.55/month.
Specialties
Various positions at Bellingham Fire Department receive an additional 2% of annual salary compensation for specialty training and positions. These include SWAT Medic, Boat, Hazmat, Truck (Aerial Apparatus) and Acting Captains.
*Employees are subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, contact Human Resources or email the Bellingham Fire Department directly at Fire@cob.org.
