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Fire Protection Engineer Salary in Merced, CA

How much does a fire protection engineer make in Merced? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Merced's cost of living.

Median Salary
$117,934
per year in Merced
Entry Level
$71,513
Starting salary
Senior Level
$161,845
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
120
20% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how fire protection engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Merced.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$71,513$117,934$161,845
Monthly$5,959$9,828$13,487
Biweekly$2,751$4,536$6,225
Weekly$1,375$2,268$3,112
Hourly$34$57$78

Merced vs National Average

How Merced's fire protection engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Merced Salary
$117,934
COL Index: 120
National Average
$76,780
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$41,154
Higher in Merced

Cost of Living in Merced

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
82,472
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 120 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Merced have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Fire Protection Engineer

Overview

Design fire protection systems and ensure building safety.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection or Civil Engineering

Key Skills

Fire Systems DesignSafety CodesFire ScienceBuilding Systems

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Fire Protection Engineer Salary

See Fire Protection Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$124,330
+5%
Los Angeles, CA
$124,970
+6%
Chicago, IL
$114,850
-3%
Houston, TX
$127,920
+8%
Phoenix, AZ
$113,680
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Fire Protection Engineer Salary in Merced, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a fire protection engineer in Merced, CA is $117,934 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 120. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Merced's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level fire protection engineer professionals in Merced can expect to earn around $71,513 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level fire protection engineers earning approximately $161,845 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Merced's cost of living index of 120 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Merced are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,780, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a fire protection engineer's salary in Merced typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 17.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Fire Protection Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Merced, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.