Public Service San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Firefighter Salary in San Diego, California

The median firefighter salary in San Diego, CA is $73,386 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$73,386
vs State Avg
+$2,068
vs National
+$21,706
Cost of Living
142%

Firefighter Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level firefighter earns around $45,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,840
+$21,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,440
+$34,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $42,032
25th Percentile $54,812
Median (50th) $73,386
75th Percentile $101,104
90th Percentile $131,776

Firefighter Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$94,058
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$86,822
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$75,453
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$60,982
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Firefighter in San Diego

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in San Diego

Browse open firefighter positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in San Diego

How much does a Firefighter make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in San Diego, California is $73,386 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $42,032 (10th percentile) to $131,776 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,386, a firefighter in San Diego earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for firefighter pay? ▼
San Diego's median firefighter salary of $73,386 is 2.9% above the California state average of $71,318. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $73,386 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in San Diego? ▼
Most firefighter positions in San Diego require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.