Average Firefighters Salary in Merced, CA
Yes, Merced, CA is a highly lucrative market for Firefighterss. With an average annual salary of $68,640, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,580.
- Outlook: The current demand for Firefighterss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Merced, CA earns+58.2%above the national average.
$33
$1,320
$5,720
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Firefighters salaries in Merced, CA have seen a slight adjustment of -3.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The earning potential for Firefighterss in Merced, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $55,550, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $80,580.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $55,550 | $26.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $51,480 | $24.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $65,340 | $31.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $85,800 | $41.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $80,580 | $38.7 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $68,640 to $68,640.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
2.104
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 0.98x 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.
170 people work as Firefighters in Merced, CA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.104 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Firefighters Salary | $83,450↑ 22% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Firefighters Salary | $73,990↑ 8% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Firefighters Salary | $84,360↑ 23% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Firefighters Salary | $79,100↑ 15% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Firefighters Salary | $142,380↑ 107% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Merced, CA is $68,640. This typically ranges from $55,550 for entry-level positions to $80,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 58.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Firefighterss?
Yes, Merced, CA is financially attractive for Firefighterss. The average salary of $68,640 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($83,450) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 2.104 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 Merced, CA