Average Firefighters Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earn an impressive average annual salary of $80,650, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This robust compensation likely reflects the specialized demands of the role within the region, potentially influenced by factors such as emergency response needs, local economic conditions, and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,200.
- Outlook: The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara area supports a local workforce of 300 firefighters, with a concentration (Location Quotient) of 0.69, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. While not a hub of extreme concentration, the presence of 1.493 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady demand for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+85.9%above the national average.
$38.8
$1,551
$6,721
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Santa Maria-Santa Barbara firefighters is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and the increasing complexity of emergency services often drive gradual increases in compensation for skilled professionals like firefighters.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Salary progression for firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $56,990 | $27.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $60,488 | $29.1 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $74,860 | $36 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $100,813 | $48.5 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $117,200 | $56.3 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $80,650 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (on par with the national average), firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, can expect their earnings to align closely with the typical cost of living. This means the nominal salary translates effectively into purchasing power, offering a stable financial footing within the region.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.493
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.69x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that while firefighters are present in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the profession is not as concentrated as the national average. This could imply a balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce, potentially offering stable employment opportunities without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Firefighters Salary | $74,440↓ 8% | 26 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Firefighters Salary | $72,000↓ 11% | 88 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $67,100↓ 17% | 92 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $64,450↓ 20% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $80,650. This typically ranges from $56,990 for entry-level positions to $117,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 85.9% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earn substantially more than the national average, with their salary aligning with the national average cost of living.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($74,440) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $80,650, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the Cost of Living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The Cost of Living Index for Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many firefighters are there in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The total local workforce for firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is approximately 300 individuals.
Is the firefighter job market in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA highly concentrated?
No, the Location Quotient of 0.69 indicates that the concentration of firefighters in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 1.493 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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA