Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $51,580 | $24.80 |
| 25th percentile | $67,080 | $32.25 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $83,400 | $40.10 |
| 75th percentile | $120,300 | $57.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $143,830 | $69.15 |
| Mean (average) | $98,200 | $47.21 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $83,400 | — |
| Washington | $93,490 | +12% |
| New York | $88,380 | +6% |
| New Jersey | $87,660 | +5% |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 | -5% |
| Illinois | $79,080 | -5% |
| Connecticut | $77,660 | -7% |
| Colorado | $76,560 | -8% |
| Oregon | $73,270 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $83,350 | 7,840 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $83,820 | 168,180 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $84,530 | 12,460 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $84,550 | 6,520 |
| Cost Estimators | $84,610 | 25,580 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $82,100 | 11,260 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighters salary in California?
The mean firefighters salary in California is $98,200 per year. The median (middle) salary is $83,400 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in California?
Entry-level firefighterss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $51,580 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $67,080 per year.
What is the highest Firefighters salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $143,830 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $120,300 per year.
How does the California Firefighters salary compare to the national average?
The median firefighters salary in California is $83,400, which is +40% above national average of $59,530.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes