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Average Firefighters Salary in Modesto, CA

Firefighters in Modesto, CA earn an impressive average annual salary of $83,450, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is often driven by localized demand, the specific responsibilities of the role within the region, and potentially the cost of essential services and emergency response infrastructure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $83,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,040.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 360 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.86, Modesto presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average national concentration, job market for firefighters. The figure of 1.857 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not booming, demand for these essential public safety professionals within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$83,450

The average Firefighters in Modesto, CA earns+92.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.1

Weekly

$1,605

Monthly

$6,954

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA

Career progression for firefighters in Modesto, CA, typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While exact percentile data isn't available, the typical structure of such roles suggests that experienced firefighters, those with specialized skills or leadership responsibilities, can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$45,070$21.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$62,588$30.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$84,200$40.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$104,313$50.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$127,040$61.1

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$83,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$83,450

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $83,450 in Modesto, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Modesto is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

360

Total Jobs

1.857

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Modesto, CA has 0.86x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates that Modesto has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and existing professionals alike.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Stockton-Lodi, CA Firefighters Salary$84,360↑ 1%29 mi
Merced, CA Firefighters Salary$68,640↓ 18%37 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Firefighters Salary$142,380↑ 71%53 mi
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Firefighters Salary$107,540↑ 29%69 mi
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Firefighters Salary$84,080↑ 1%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Modesto, CA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Modesto, CA is $83,450. This typically ranges from $45,070 for entry-level positions to $127,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 92.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Modesto, CA offers a lucrative environment for Firefighters.Firefighters in Modesto earn nearly double the national average salary, and with a cost of living index matching the national average, their earnings provide strong purchasing power.

Is Modesto, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($84,360) and Merced, CA.

How does the Modesto firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Modesto, CA is $83,450, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the cost of living in Modesto, CA for firefighters?

Modesto, CA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the high salary offers good purchasing power.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Modesto?

The firefighter job market in Modesto has a Location Quotient of 0.86, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly dense job market.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Modesto?

There are approximately 360 firefighters employed in Modesto, CA, representing 1.857 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 1.857 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Modesto, CA