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Average Firefighters Salary in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA

Firefighters in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $84,920, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is often attributed to the region's specific economic conditions, demand for essential services, and potentially higher costs associated with living and operating within this California locale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $84,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $122,250.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 410 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.93, the Santa Rosa-Petaluma area demonstrates a stable, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of this profession. The presence of 2 firefighters per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these critical services, suggesting a robust job market for skilled individuals in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$84,920

The average Firefighters in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA earns+95.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.8

Weekly

$1,633

Monthly

$7,077

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA

Salary progression for firefighters in Santa Rosa-Petaluma 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 as one gains expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$43,130$20.7
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$63,690$30.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$88,440$42.5
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$106,150$51
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$122,250$58.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$84,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$84,920

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $84,920 in Santa Rosa-Petaluma aligns perfectly with the national 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, indicating a balanced economic environment where earnings effectively cover typical living expenses.

Job Market Context

410

Total Jobs

2

Per 1K Jobs

0.93

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA has 0.93x 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 0.93 suggests that the Santa Rosa-Petaluma region has a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this figure implies a healthy and competitive job market where demand is met by a workforce that is closely aligned with national employment levels for this occupation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is $84,920. This typically ranges from $43,130 for entry-level positions to $122,250 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is 95.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Santa Rosa-Petaluma earn nearly double the national average salary, with compensation aligning perfectly with the local cost of living.

Is Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Napa, CA ($82,200) and Vallejo, CA.

What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?

The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is $84,920.

How does the Santa Rosa-Petaluma firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($84,920) is significantly higher than the national average ($43,380).

What is the cost of living in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is 100, which is the national average.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?

The firefighter job market in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA has a Location Quotient of 0.93, indicating a concentration 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 410 employees in the Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA area with a job density of 2 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.