Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Federal Way, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.7% of gross income.
Federal Way rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Federal Way, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Federal Way
View full rent data for Federal Way, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Federal Way, WA?
Median rent in Federal Way is $1,920 a month. A typical paramedic in Washington earns about $59,562 a year, which makes that rent 38.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Federal Way?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Washington (~$59,562/yr) supports up to $1,489 a month in rent. Federal Way's current median rent is $1,920/mo, which is $431/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Federal Way?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a paramedic in Washington works roughly 67 hours a month to cover Federal Way's median rent of $1,920.
Where is rent cheaper than Federal Way for a paramedic?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Port Orchard ($1,919/mo), Bainbridge Island ($1,918/mo), Everett ($1,918/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.