Public Service San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Firefighter Salary in San Francisco, California

The median firefighter salary in San Francisco, CA is $94,058 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$94,058
vs State Avg
+$22,740
vs National
+$42,378
Cost of Living
182%

Firefighter Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median firefighter salary of $94,058, which is $22,740 above the California state average of $71,318. Compared to the national median of $51,680, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,058 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in San Francisco spans from $53,872 at the 10th percentile to $168,896 at the 90th percentile — a $115,024 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,240, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,240. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level firefighter earns around $58,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,240
+$26,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,640
+$42,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,240
+$67,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $53,872
25th Percentile $70,252
Median (50th) $94,058
75th Percentile $129,584
90th Percentile $168,896

Firefighter Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$86,822
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$75,453
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$73,386
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$60,982
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Firefighter in San Francisco

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Francisco 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 Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open firefighter positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Firefighter make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in San Francisco, California is $94,058 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $53,872 (10th percentile) to $168,896 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,058, a firefighter in San Francisco earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for firefighter pay? ▼
San Francisco's median firefighter salary of $94,058 is 31.9% above the California state average of $71,318. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $94,058 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in San Francisco? ▼
Most firefighter positions in San Francisco 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.