Employment Opportunities
Our mission is to protect people, property, and the environment, and professionally and compassionately serve the community. The Tacoma Fire Department was formed in 1880 and continues to evolve as a progressive and responsive public safety organization. If you care about our City and are interested in joining our team, you can learn more about what it takes on this page.
Current Job Openings
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The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) is currently seeking candidates interested in serving our community as firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the in-person written examination tentatively scheduled for either December 15 or 16, 2026. There will be no alternative test dates. Applicants must pass the written examination in order to be placed on the eligible list for further hiring consideration.
The upcoming entry-level firefighter written exam will evaluate whether or not you possess the critical, job-related skills and abilities necessary for success on the job.
Qualified applicants for the 2026 recruitment will be provided instructions on the process and next steps to follow to take the in-person entry-level firefighter test. In preparation for the 2026 Entry-Level Firefighter test, Tacoma Fire Department is offering a free orientation guide as a helpful tool to prepare for the online firefighter test. The orientation guide will be attached to the confirmation email you receive regarding the written test.
We will also host in-person information sessions to answer your questions about our application process on October 13 and October 17. (links below)
Pay Details:
Hourly: $36.19 – $50.14
Annual Salary: $86,754.67 – $120,195.61If you want to learn more or if you’re ready to apply:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/5443214/firefighter
Know What It Takes to Become a Tacoma Firefighter
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You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for employment with the Tacoma Fire Department:
- 18 years of age at the time of application
- Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License at the time of appointment
- High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
- A non-smoker/tobacco user within the last two years
Applicants must pass all portions of the selection process, which includes:
- Written examination
- Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT)
- Oral examination
- Medical examination
- Background check including driving record, criminal history, credit history
Applicants must pass all portions of the selection process, which includes a background check and the following: written, physical abilities test, oral interview, and a medical physical.
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We will post date changes and update TBDs here.
- Job Application Opens – September 1
- Information Session #1 – October 13
- Information Session #2 – October 17 (morning)
- Information Session #3 – October 17 (afternoon)
- Job Announcement Closes – November 13
- Written Exam – December 15 & 16
- Eligibility List Established – January 2027
- Interviews – TBD
- Hiring/Recruit Academy – TBD
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The Tacoma Fire Department is hosting two Women in the Fire Service recruiting events this fall. Each event will include an informational panel Q&A followed by a hands-on workshop with fire service equipment. We will be hosting two sessions, and each session will cover the same info and both will be completely free!
Space is limited to the first 85 (per session) people who sign up.
Session 1
Saturday, September 19, 9am – 3pmSession 2
Saturday, October 10, 9am – 3pm -
Want to learn more before completing your application to join TFD as a firefighter?
Have questions about TFD, our application process, our expectations, or our training program?Good news! We are holding three Information Sessions to cover these topics:
- Application process
- Written exam to be held December 15th and 16th, 2026
- Interview process
- Recruit School
- Human Resources questions
- Frequently asked questions
Dates and Times for Information Sessions:
- October 13, 2026 – Tuesday evening session 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (200 participants)
- October 17, 2026 – Saturday morning session 9:00 am – 10:30 am (80 participants)
- October 17, 2026 – Saturday lunchtime session 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (80 participants)
Sign up to learn more before submitting your application!
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/5443179/firefighter-information-session
Who Should Apply?
We seek disciplined individuals who want to serve their community and are drawn to challenges.
The Tacoma Fire Department is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability status, and/or veteran status. We are made up of a highly skilled, diverse workforce. The Tacoma Fire Department values our members’ uniqueness and diversity. We believe our strength lies in our ability to reflect the community we serve.
Curious to see what the first year of TFD training looks like?
Contact
For emergencies, call 9-1-1