Average Firefighters Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Firefighters in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,610. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher cost of living in the region that influences compensation. Local economic factors and the specialized nature of firefighting services contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,530 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.77, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad metropolitan area shows a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. However, the presence of nearly 2,500 individuals in this role suggests a stable and established job market, with ongoing needs for skilled emergency responders.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns+65.1%above the national average.
$34.4
$1,377
$5,968
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in firefighter salaries across the nation and in metropolitan areas like San Diego. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving training requirements typically drive salary growth over time, suggesting that the current average of $71,610 may have seen incremental increases.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
As with most professions, firefighter salaries in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, scale with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, specialized certifications, and leadership roles can expect to earn considerably more. The progression from junior to senior firefighter roles is typically marked by significant salary increases, reflecting accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $46,260 | $22.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $53,708 | $25.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $70,120 | $33.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $89,513 | $43 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $100,680 | $48.4 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,610 for firefighters in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial landscape for those in this profession within the region.
Job Market Context
2,530
Total Jobs
1.649
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 0.77x 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 0.77 indicates that San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to other job sectors. The market is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, implying a steady demand for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Firefighters Salary | $82,940↑ 16% | 79 mi |
| El Centro, CA Firefighters Salary | $60,060↓ 16% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $71,610. This typically ranges from $46,260 for entry-level positions to $100,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 65.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in this area earn significantly above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the compensation quite favorable.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($82,940) and El Centro, CA.
How does the firefighter salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is $71,610, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the cost of living in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA for firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary has average purchasing power locally.
How many firefighters are there in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area?
There are approximately 2,530 firefighters employed in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area.
Is the firefighter job market concentrated in San Diego?
The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests that the concentration of firefighters in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, is slightly below the national average, indicating a balanced rather than highly concentrated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,530 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 1.649 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA