science Illustrative sample
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May 2024 release
Firefighter Salary in California
Median Annual in California
$65,460/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$31.47/hr
▲ 15% above U.S. median
groups Employed in CA
41,419
public U.S. Median
$57,120
trending_up National Outlook
+4%
Firefighter pay in California, explained
Firefighters in California earn a median of $65,460 per year ($31.47 per hour), which is 15% above the national median of $57,120. Entry-level workers earn around $43,204, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $95,572. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.
Firefighter in California: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in California?
Firefighters in California earn a median of $65,460 per year ($31.47 per hour), compared with $57,120 nationally.
Does California pay firefighters well?
At $65,460, California pays 15% above the national median for firefighters. An estimated 41,419 work in the state.