Firefighters Jobs Pay in California, CA
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $47.21 - $51.93
Average Annual Pay
Range: $98,197 - $108,016
Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $47.21 - $51.93
How much does a Firefighter make in California, CA?
The average annual salary for a firefighter in California, CA is $103,107 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $49.57 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $1,983 per week or $8,592 per month, depending on hours worked.
Salary range for firefighters in California, CA
Firefighters salaries in California, CA can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.
While some salaries can reach as high as $108,016, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $98,197 annually.
The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for firefighters in California, CA — about $15,466 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for firefighters to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.
Top-paying cities for firefighters around California, CA
While the average salary for a firefighters in California, CA is $103,107 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Higher than firefighters around California, CA
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA
Higher than firefighters around California, CA
Modesto, CA
Higher than firefighters around California, CA
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
Higher than firefighters around California, CA
Napa, CA
Higher than firefighters around California, CA
Salinas, CA
Higher than firefighters around California, CA
Based on available salary data, 2 cities report average firefighters salaries above the statewide average.
Leading the list is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, followed by Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom and Modesto, which also rank among the top-paying locations for firefighters in the state.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim stands out with firefighters earning around $12,274 more than the statewide average, or about 12% higher.
Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, firefighters may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within California, CA.
Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.
Firefighters pay in California, CA by experience level
Salaries for firefighters in California, CA often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.
Entry-level firefighters (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $98,197 – $87,641 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.
Mid-level firefighters (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $87,641 – $118,573 annually.
Experienced firefighters (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $118,573 – $108,016 per year.
Key factors that affect pay of firefighters in California, CA
Several factors can influence how much firefighters earn in California, CA, even when the average salary is around $103,107 per year.
Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $87,641, while experienced professionals can make $118,573+ annually.
Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.
Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.
Together, these factors create a wide salary range for firefighters in California, CA, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.
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