Average Firefighters Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Firefighters in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn a substantial average annual salary of $142,380. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for the role in this specific region. The elevated pay is likely driven by the high cost of living and specialized needs within this major metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,180 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.48, the job market in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for these professionals. While the LQ indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the absolute number of jobs points to a consistent need for skilled firefighters within this populous region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns+228.2%above the national average.
$68.5
$2,738
$11,865
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in a high-cost-of-living area like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. Economic factors, inflation, and ongoing demand for essential services typically drive upward salary trends for critical roles such as firefighting.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Salary progression for firefighters in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would reflect this career trajectory, with senior firefighters occupying the higher earning brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $68,600 | $33 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $106,785 | $51.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $164,940 | $79.3 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $177,975 | $85.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $183,090 | $88 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$142,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $142,380 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, 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 exceptionally high compared to the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the high earnings are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,180
Total Jobs
1.037
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has a notably lower concentration of Firefighters jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.48 for firefighters in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is below the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid presence of firefighters (1,180 total), the market is not disproportionately saturated with this profession compared to other areas nationwide. This could imply a competitive but stable job market for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Firefighters Salary | $84,080↓ 41% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Firefighters Salary | $112,400↓ 21% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Firefighters Salary | $79,100↓ 44% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Firefighters Salary | $83,450↓ 41% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Firefighters Salary | $84,360↓ 41% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $142,380. This typically ranges from $68,600 for entry-level positions to $183,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 228.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $142,380 is exceptionally high compared to the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the high salary is balanced by local expenses.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($84,080) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the firefighter salary in San Jose compare to the national average?
The average firefighter salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is $142,380, which is more than triple the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in San Jose compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.48 means that firefighters are less concentrated in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, than the national average.
Does the high salary in San Jose mean a higher standard of living?
While the nominal salary is very high, the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), suggesting that the purchasing power of the salary locally is comparable to the national average.
How many firefighters are employed in the San Jose area?
There are approximately 1,180 firefighters employed in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,180 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 1.037 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA