Firefighter Salary in California
Firefighters in California earn an average of $66,867 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$66,867
per year
Hourly Rate
$32.15
per hour
vs National
+17.1%
$57,120 national
Salary Range
$43,315
to $96,971
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$66,867
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$47,089
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Firefighter's salary of $66,867 has the purchasing power of $47,089 in an average-cost area.
Firefighter Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $78,827 | $37.90/hr | $51,989 | $115,189 | 348 |
| San Francisco, CA | $76,839 | $36.94/hr | $49,116 | $108,413 | 398 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $65,236 | $31.36/hr | $43,705 | $95,506 | 414 |
| San Diego, CA | $63,970 | $30.75/hr | $41,267 | $91,885 | 252 |
| Sacramento, CA | $58,655 | $28.20/hr | $36,830 | $84,251 | 261 |
| Riverside, CA | $57,674 | $27.73/hr | $36,981 | $86,582 | 252 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Firefighter Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,925 Firefighters employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Firefighter Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$43,315
Starting salary for new Firefighters
Median (50th Percentile)
$66,867
Mid-career Firefighter salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$96,971
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Firefighter Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Firefighter salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in California?
The average Firefighter salary in California is $66,867 per year ($32.15/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.1% above the national average of $57,120.
What is the highest paying city for Firefighters in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Firefighters in California, with a median salary of $78,827 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $57,674.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in California?
Firefighter salaries in California range from $43,315 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $96,971 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $66,867 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.