Average Firefighters Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Firefighters in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $112,400. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, reflecting the high cost of living and demand for essential services in this major metropolitan region. Specialized skills and the demanding nature of the role in a dense urban environment contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $112,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $145,580.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area employs 3,410 firefighters, indicating a considerable local workforce dedicated to public safety. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the concentration of firefighters is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 1.419 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent demand for these vital professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+159.1%above the national average.
$54
$2,162
$9,367
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in a dynamic and high-cost-of-living area like San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have seen consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and union negotiations typically drive upward salary trends for essential public safety roles.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The salary progression for firefighters in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to earn considerably more. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as firefighters gain expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $79,790 | $38.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $84,300 | $40.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $121,270 | $58.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $140,500 | $67.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $145,580 | $70 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$112,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$112,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $112,400 for firefighters in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, it is effectively balanced by the cost of living in the region, suggesting that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary is comparable to the national average.
Job Market Context
3,410
Total Jobs
1.419
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.66x 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 0.66, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job is essential and present, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled professionals seeking employment. The demand, as indicated by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains steady.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Firefighters Salary | $102,840↓ 9% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Firefighters Salary | $82,200↓ 27% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Firefighters Salary | $142,380↑ 27% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Firefighters Salary | $84,920↓ 24% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Firefighters Salary | $84,080↓ 25% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $112,400. This typically ranges from $79,790 for entry-level positions to $145,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 159.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, but with caveats.Firefighters in this region earn significantly above the national average salary. However, the high nominal salary is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($102,840) and Napa, CA.
How does the firefighter salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $112,400, which is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.66, indicating a slightly lower presence of firefighters relative to the national average.
How many firefighters are employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area?
There are 3,410 firefighters employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area.
Does the high salary for San Francisco firefighters mean a higher standard of living?
While the nominal salary is high, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average (100). This suggests that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this area is similar to the national average, despite the higher gross pay.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,410 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 1.419 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA