Average Firefighters Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Firefighters in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $109,880. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $43,380, reflecting the demanding nature of the role and the specific economic conditions within this major urban center. Factors such as higher operational costs and the critical importance of emergency services in a densely populated region contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $109,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $152,540.
- Outlook: The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area supports a robust workforce of 7,200 firefighters. While the Location Quotient of 0.54 suggests a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a substantial and active job market. This suggests a stable demand for skilled firefighters within the region, even if the growth rate is not exceeding national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+153.3%above the national average.
$52.8
$2,113
$9,157
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for firefighters in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA have experienced consistent growth. This trend is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing demand for emergency services, and the need to attract and retain qualified personnel in a competitive job market.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for firefighters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, certifications, and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies the career advancement and increased earning potential available through dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $66,390 | $31.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $82,410 | $39.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $99,210 | $47.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $137,350 | $66 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $152,540 | $73.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$109,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$109,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $109,880 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is exceptionally high compared to the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, the higher pay is primarily compensating for the local economic environment rather than offering a significant boost in disposable income relative to other areas.
Job Market Context
7,200
Total Jobs
1.161
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.54x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.54, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is substantial with 7,200 professionals, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions. This could translate to a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist, but landing a position might require meeting specific qualifications and demonstrating strong capabilities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Firefighters Salary | $82,940↓ 25% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Firefighters Salary | $72,000↓ 34% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $109,880. This typically ranges from $66,390 for entry-level positions to $152,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 153.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $109,880 is significantly higher than the national average, making it financially attractive. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased salary's purchasing power is comparable to other areas.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($82,940) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the firefighter salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earn an average of $109,880 annually, which is more than double the national average of $43,380.
What is the total number of firefighters in the Los Angeles area?
The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area employs approximately 7,200 firefighters.
Does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Los Angeles?
The cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is at the national average (100). This means the higher salary effectively maintains a purchasing power similar to the national average, rather than significantly increasing it.
Is the firefighter job market in Los Angeles concentrated?
The Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is slightly below the national average, suggesting a moderately competitive market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,200 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 1.161 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA