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Fire academy in Washington

16 firefighter programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

14 schools offer these firefighter programs, and Washington has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Firefighters put out fires and answer emergencies that put people, property or the environment at risk. Most need a high school diploma, must pass written and physical tests and an interview, and then train for a few months at a fire academy run by a fire department or the state. Firefighters may also need EMT or paramedic certification.1

In Washington, 3 of the 16 programs take students without a high school diploma, 10 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 3 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 16 programs here are fire science (associate degree, 7 programs), firefighter apprenticeship (2 programs), wildland firefighter course (2 programs), fire academy (Firefighter I and II, 2 programs), and 3 more of 2 other kinds.

See the 16 programs

How much does fire academy cost in Washington?

Certificates and short courses (9 programs)
$575 to $1,742most of them, usually 2 to 30 weeks long
Two-year degrees (7 programs)
$7,114 to $10,044most of them, usually 60 weeks long

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.

In the typical program

Finished the program
69%
Working 6 months later
90%
Earned a year, estimated
about $36,800
Length
12 to 60 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Washington may also offer fire academy training. How these figures are made

Is there free fire academy training in Washington?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 16 firefighter programs in Washington approved for WIOA funding

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16 programs

  • Firefighter apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Firefighter

    Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee

    Federal Way

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Federal WayFirefighter apprenticeshipHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Firefighter at Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
    More details about Firefighter at Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
    Finished
    76%
    Working at 6 months
    93%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    150 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    695
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported
    Program website, Firefighter at Washington State Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee

  • Wildland firefighter courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Wildland Firefighter

    Bates Technical College

    Tacoma

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Bates Technical College, TacomaWildland firefighter course · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$76,200
    Price if you pay yourself$269
    Program website, Wildland Firefighter at Bates Technical College
    More details about Wildland Firefighter at Bates Technical College
    Finished
    69%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    $19,061
    Length
    12 weeks, 2 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    109
    Earned a year, estimated
    $76,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $269
    Program website, Wildland Firefighter at Bates Technical College

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personEducation and courses

    Fire Recruit Academy

    Bates Technical College

    Tacoma

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Bates Technical College, TacomaFire academy (Firefighter I and II) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$76,200
    Price if you pay yourself$1,083
    Program website, Fire Recruit Academy at Bates Technical College
    More details about Fire Recruit Academy at Bates Technical College
    Finished
    69%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    $19,061
    Length
    12 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    109
    Earned a year, estimated
    $76,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,083
    Program website, Fire Recruit Academy at Bates Technical College

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Service

    Bates Technical College

    Tacoma

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Bates Technical College, TacomaFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$76,200
    Price if you pay yourself$5,414
    Program website, Fire Service at Bates Technical College
    More details about Fire Service at Bates Technical College
    Finished
    69%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    $19,061
    Length
    60 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    109
    Earned a year, estimated
    $76,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,414
    Program website, Fire Service at Bates Technical College

  • Fire science (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Science

    Everett Community College

    Everett

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Everett Community College, EverettFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$12,080
    Program website, Fire Science at Everett Community College
    More details about Fire Science at Everett Community College
    Finished
    42%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    45 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    84
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,080
    Program website, Fire Science at Everett Community College

  • Wildland firefighter courseHybridNo diploma needed

    Incident Qualification Certification

    First-In Responder Technical Academy/Kirkland

    Kirkland

    No diploma needed

    First-In Responder Technical Academy/Kirkland, KirklandWildland firefighter courseHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$18,700
    Price if you pay yourself$300
    Program website, Incident Qualification Certification at First-In Responder Technical Academy/Kirkland
    More details about Incident Qualification Certification at First-In Responder Technical Academy/Kirkland
    Finished
    97%
    Working at 6 months
    88%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,671
    Length
    2 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    37
    Earned a year, estimated
    $18,700
    Price if you pay yourself
    $300
    Program website, Incident Qualification Certification at First-In Responder Technical Academy/Kirkland

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Science Technology

    Spokane Community College

    Spokane

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Spokane Community College, SpokaneFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$29,100
    Price if you pay yourself$6,175
    Program website, Fire Science Technology at Spokane Community College
    More details about Fire Science Technology at Spokane Community College
    Finished
    63%
    Working at 6 months
    93%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,286
    Length
    60 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    34
    Earned a year, estimated
    $29,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,175
    Program website, Fire Science Technology at Spokane Community College

  • Fire science (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Protection Technology

    Skagit Valley College

    Mount Vernon

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Skagit Valley College, Mount VernonFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$9,866
    Program website, Fire Protection Technology at Skagit Valley College
    More details about Fire Protection Technology at Skagit Valley College
    Finished
    55%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    24
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $9,866
    Program website, Fire Protection Technology at Skagit Valley College

  • Fire science (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Science

    Columbia Basin College

    Pasco

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Columbia Basin College, PascoFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$36,500
    Price if you pay yourself$9,638
    Program website, Fire Science at Columbia Basin College
    More details about Fire Science at Columbia Basin College
    Finished
    18%
    Working at 6 months
    87%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,132
    Length
    60 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    21
    Earned a year, estimated
    $36,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $9,638
    Program website, Fire Science at Columbia Basin College

  • Short fire courseIn personEducation and courses

    Advanced Fire Fighting

    Compass Courses

    Edmonds

    Education and courses

    Compass Courses, EdmondsShort fire courseIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$900
    Program website, Advanced Fire Fighting at Compass Courses
    More details about Advanced Fire Fighting at Compass Courses
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 32 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    19
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $900
    Program website, Advanced Fire Fighting at Compass Courses

  • Fire science (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Natural Resources'Wildland Fire

    Green River College

    Auburn

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Green River College, AuburnFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$36,800
    Price if you pay yourself$8,052
    Program website, Natural Resources'Wildland Fire at Green River College
    More details about Natural Resources'Wildland Fire at Green River College
    Finished
    92%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $9,198
    Length
    70 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    18
    Earned a year, estimated
    $36,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,052
    Program website, Natural Resources'Wildland Fire at Green River College

  • Short fire courseHybridNo diploma needed

    Advanced Firefighting

    Mitags - Pmi

    Seattle

    No diploma needed

    Mitags - Pmi, SeattleShort fire courseHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$850
    Program website, Advanced Firefighting at Mitags - Pmi
    More details about Advanced Firefighting at Mitags - Pmi
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    50%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 28 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    16
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $850
    Program website, Advanced Firefighting at Mitags - Pmi

  • Firefighter apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Firefighter

    Hoquiam Fire Department Apprenticeship Committee

    Hoquiam

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Hoquiam Fire Department Apprenticeship Committee, HoquiamFirefighter apprenticeshipHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    Program website, Firefighter at Hoquiam Fire Department Apprenticeship Committee
    More details about Firefighter at Hoquiam Fire Department Apprenticeship Committee
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    150 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    10
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported
    Program website, Firefighter at Hoquiam Fire Department Apprenticeship Committee

  • Fire academy (Firefighter I and II)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    North Sound Fire Academy

    Polaris Training Concepts

    Stanwood

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Polaris Training Concepts, StanwoodFire academy (Firefighter I and II)In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,400
    Program website, North Sound Fire Academy at Polaris Training Concepts
    More details about North Sound Fire Academy at Polaris Training Concepts
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    12 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,400
    Program website, North Sound Fire Academy at Polaris Training Concepts

  • Fire science certificate or diplomaHybridPrerequisite courses

    Fire Science

    Walla Walla Community College

    Walla Walla

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Walla Walla Community College, Walla WallaFire science certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$6,722
    Program website, Fire Science at Walla Walla Community College
    More details about Fire Science at Walla Walla Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    30 weeks, 18 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,722
    Program website, Fire Science at Walla Walla Community College

  • Fire science (associate degree)OnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Fire Science

    Wenatchee Valley College

    Based in Wenatchee, WA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Wenatchee Valley College, based in Wenatchee, WAFire science (associate degree) · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$10,221
    Program website, Fire Science at Wenatchee Valley College
    More details about Fire Science at Wenatchee Valley College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,221
    Program website, Fire Science at Wenatchee Valley College

How to pay for fire academy training in Washington

WIOA funding can pay for fire academy training in Washington

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for fire academy training

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for fire academy training

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Fire academy in Washington

programs with a price cost under $1,000
4 of 14
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
12th of 15
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
3 of 9
firefighter programs here, against the typical state's 4
16 vs 4

State comparisons use the same figures as the fire academy training by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Fire academy in Seattle, Spokane, Mount Vernon and other Washington cities

Areas with 10 or more programs have a page of their own. Choosing another area filters the program list above. 1 program is online.

Other training in Washington

How fire academy training compares with the rest of public safety: First responder training in Washington

Where the Washington firefighter program numbers come from

Which Washington firefighter programs are on this list?

These are the firefighter programs Washington approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Washington offers.

How the prices and results of Washington firefighter programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about fire academy training in Washington

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List