Average Firefighters Salary in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
Firefighters in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $82,940. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a robust compensation structure within this region. Local economic factors and the specific demands of emergency services in a large metropolitan area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,870.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,720 firefighters, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area demonstrates a substantial presence in this vital profession. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that while the concentration of firefighters is slightly below the national average, the sheer size of the workforce indicates consistent demand and employment opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earns+91.2%above the national average.
$39.9
$1,595
$6,912
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving labor agreements typically drive upward salary adjustments for dedicated professionals in this field.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
The salary progression for firefighters in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The gap between lower and higher salary percentiles reflects the career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise and leadership within the fire service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $51,000 | $24.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $62,205 | $29.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $75,230 | $36.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $103,675 | $49.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $110,870 | $53.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $82,940 for firefighters in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, 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 this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the higher nominal pay effectively balances out the cost of living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,720
Total Jobs
1.603
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA has 0.74x 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 0.74 indicates that the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these professionals, and the market is relatively balanced, offering stable employment prospects without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Firefighters Salary | $109,880↑ 32% | 49 mi |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Firefighters Salary | $71,610↓ 14% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is $82,940. This typically ranges from $51,000 for entry-level positions to $110,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 91.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn nearly double the national average salary. The local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the higher salary provides excellent purchasing power.
Is Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($109,880) and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA.
How does the Riverside firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earn an average of $82,940 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the job market like for firefighters in Riverside?
The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 2,720 firefighters and a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating consistent demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a firefighter's salary in Riverside?
No, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary of $82,940 offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How much does experience impact a firefighter's salary in this region?
Experience significantly increases earning potential, with senior firefighters earning substantially more than entry-level positions, reflecting career progression and specialized skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,720 employees in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area with a job density of 1.603 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 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA