Firefighter Salary in California
Based on 31K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$85,120
$40.92/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+47.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $136K
31K employed in California
The median Firefighter salary in California is $85,120 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $41. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, coming in at 47.9% more, indicating a strong demand and compensation for the profession within the state.
Several factors influence a Firefighter salary in California, including years of experience, specific fire department, location within the state, and any specialized certifications or training. Entry-level positions might start around $52,390 annually, while experienced firefighters can earn up to $136,150.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,390 |
| 25th percentile | $65,170 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $85,120 |
| 75th percentile | $109,620 |
| 90th percentile | $136,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,120 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,674 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,120 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,674 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,170 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $85,120 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $109,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,150 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Firefighter ($85,120 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in CA | $118,880 | +39.7% | $57.15/hr |
| Security Guard in CA | $43,240 | -49.2% | $20.79/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CA | $85,030 | -0.1% | $40.88/hr |
| Writer and Author in CA | $86,480 | +1.6% | $41.58/hr |
| School Counselor in CA | $86,500 | +1.6% | $41.59/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in CA | $83,500 | -1.9% | $40.14/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CA | $82,720 | -2.8% | $39.77/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -3.0% | $39.69/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -3.9% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -5.1% | $38.85/hr |
| Librarian in CA | $89,790 | +5.5% | $43.17/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CA | $80,450 | -5.5% | $38.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a firefighter in California?
- The median Firefighter salary in California is $85,120 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
How much does a starting firefighter typically earn in California?
- Entry-level firefighters in California can expect to earn around $52,390 annually. This is the lower end of the salary range for the profession within the state.
What is the salary range for firefighters in California?
- The salary range for firefighters in California spans from an entry-level of $52,390 to a high of $136,150 annually. The median salary falls in the middle at $85,120.
Is a firefighter's salary in California significantly higher than the national average?
- Yes, a Firefighter salary in California is substantially higher than the national average. California firefighters earn approximately 47.9% more than their counterparts across the rest of the country.