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Firefighter Salary in California

How much does a Firefighter make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Firefighter in California is $68,758 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a Firefighter's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,325
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,332 to $76,383
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,481
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Firefighter Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Firefighter Salaries

A Firefighter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Firefighter Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Firefighter's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $65,985
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $67,381
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $70,346
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $70,664
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,876
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Firefighter less than 1 year $65,985
Early Career Level Firefighter 1-2 years $67,381
Mid-Level Level Firefighter 2-4 years $70,346
Senior-Level Level Firefighter 5-8 years $70,664
Expert Level Firefighter over 8 years $70,876

How Do Firefighter Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Firefighters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $69,020.
  • California: $68,758.
  • Massachusetts: $67,841.

Top Paying Cities for Firefighter

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $68,876
  • West Hollywood: $68,826
  • Dodgertown: $68,876

Firefighter Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Firefighter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Firefighter positions in Software & Networking or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Firefighter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Firefighter

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $96,261 $46.0 40%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $75,634 $36.0 10%

Firefighter Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Firefighter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$62,332
Average $68,758/year
$76,383
$5,194
Average $5,730/month
$6,365
$1,199
Average $1,322/week
$1,469
$30
Average $33/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,383 $6,365 $1,469 $37
Average $68,758 $5,730 $1,322 $33
25th Percentile $62,332 $5,194 $1,199 $30

Find Your Next Firefighter Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Firefighter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • GovernmentJobs.com | Calimesa, CA

    Firefighter Paramedic

    GovernmentJobs.com | Calimesa, CA

    Firefighter-EMTUnder general supervision, performs a full range of firefighting duties to include the suppression of various types of fires, emergency medi... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Pala Band of Mission Indians | Pala, CA

    Firefighter Paramedic

    Pala Band of Mission Indians | Pala, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. PALA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS. HUMAN RESOURCES 35008 Pala Temecula Rd. P.M.B. 50 Pala, CA 92059.  .  . JOB DESCRIPTION.  .... more

    6 Days Ago

  • GovernmentJobs.com | Sun City, CA

    Firefighter Paramedic

    GovernmentJobs.com | Sun City, CA

    Firefighter/ParamedicThe City of Canyon Lake is seeking qualified men and women for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. This recruitment is to fill one ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • GovernmentJobs.com | Downey, CA

    AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER

    GovernmentJobs.com | Downey, CA

    AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTERThe City of Downey Fire Department Auxiliary Firefighter Program began in 1987 with the goal of allowing fire academy graduates an opp... more

    6 Days Ago

  • City of Downey California | Downey, CA

    AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER

    City of Downey California | Downey, CA

    The City of Downey Fire Department Auxiliary Firefighter Program began in 1987 with the goal of allowing fire academy graduates an opportunity to acquire o... more

    6 Days Ago

  • City of Piedmont | Oakland, CA

    Firefighter Paramedic Lateral

    City of Piedmont | Oakland, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Firefighter/Paramedic. LateralPiedmont Fire is seeking qualified candidates for. Firefighter/Paramedic. to join a departm... more

    7 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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