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First Sergeant Salary in California

How much does a First Sergeant make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Sergeant in California is $75,453 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $103,475
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,150 to $90,121
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,501
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Key Factors That Influence First Sergeant Salaries

A First Sergeant'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 First Sergeant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a First Sergeant'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): $70,231
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $70,491
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $71,358
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $74,842
  • Expert (over 8 years): $77,491
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level First Sergeant less than 1 year $70,231
Early Career Level First Sergeant 1-2 years $70,491
Mid-Level Level First Sergeant 2-4 years $71,358
Senior-Level Level First Sergeant 5-8 years $74,842
Expert Level First Sergeant over 8 years $77,491

How Do First Sergeant 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 First Sergeants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,741.
  • California: $75,453.
  • Massachusetts: $74,448.

Top Paying Cities for First Sergeant

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: $75,583
  • West Hollywood: $75,529
  • Dodgertown: $75,583

First Sergeant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For First Sergeant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Durable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, First Sergeant positions in Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view First Sergeant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a First Sergeant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable $90,544 $44.0 20%

First Sergeant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a First Sergeant'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 September 01, 2026
$68,150
Average $75,453/year
$90,121
$5,679
Average $6,288/month
$7,510
$1,311
Average $1,451/week
$1,733
$33
Average $36/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $90,121 $7,510 $1,733 $43
Average $75,453 $6,288 $1,451 $36
25th Percentile $68,150 $5,679 $1,311 $33

Find Your Next First Sergeant Job

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

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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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