Firefighter Salary in California
Firefighter pay in California, explained
Firefighters in California earn a median of $85,120 per year ($40.92 per hour), which is 44% above the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $52,390, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $136,150. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
Is $85,120 good pay in California?
Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $85,120 is worth about $76,879 in national buying power — ranking California #5 for real pay (vs #3 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in California
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
Firefighter in California: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in California?
Firefighters in California earn a median of $85,120 per year ($40.92 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does California pay firefighters well?
At $85,120, California pays 44% above the national median for firefighters. An estimated 31,470 work in the state.