Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Mercer Island, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 45.3% of gross income.
Mercer Island rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Mercer Island, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Mercer Island
View full rent data for Mercer Island, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Mercer Island, WA?
Median rent in Mercer Island is $2,654 a month. A typical firefighter in Washington earns about $70,347 a year, which makes that rent 45.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Mercer Island?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Washington (~$70,347/yr) supports up to $1,759 a month in rent. Mercer Island's current median rent is $2,654/mo, which is $895/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Mercer Island?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a firefighter in Washington works roughly 78.5 hours a month to cover Mercer Island's median rent of $2,654.
Where is rent cheaper than Mercer Island for a firefighter?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Spanaway ($2,653/mo), Bonney Lake ($2,653/mo), Bonney Lake ($2,652/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.