Public Service San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Firefighter Salary in San Jose, California

The median firefighter salary in San Jose, CA is $86,822 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$86,822
vs State Avg
+$15,504
vs National
+$35,142
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median firefighter salary of $86,822, which is $15,504 above the California state average of $71,318. Compared to the national median of $51,680, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $86,822 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in San Jose spans from $49,728 at the 10th percentile to $155,904 at the 90th percentile — a $106,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,760. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level firefighter earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$21,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,360
+$35,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,760
+$55,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $49,728
25th Percentile $64,848
Median (50th) $86,822
75th Percentile $119,616
90th Percentile $155,904

Firefighter Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$94,058
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in San Jose

Browse open firefighter positions in San Jose, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in San Jose

How much does a Firefighter make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in San Jose, California is $86,822 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $49,728 (10th percentile) to $155,904 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,822, a firefighter in San Jose earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for firefighter pay? ▼
San Jose's median firefighter salary of $86,822 is 21.7% above the California state average of $71,318. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $86,822 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in San Jose? ▼
Most firefighter positions in San Jose 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.