Firefighter Salary in San Diego, CA
How much does a firefighter make in San Diego? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for San Diego's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in San Diego.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $42,314 | $70,120 | $99,136 |
| Monthly | $3,526 | $5,843 | $8,261 |
| Biweekly | $1,627 | $2,697 | $3,813 |
| Weekly | $814 | $1,348 | $1,906 |
| Hourly | $20 | $34 | $48 |
San Diego vs National Average
How San Diego's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in San Diego
About Firefighter
Overview
Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.
Education
High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary
See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in San Diego.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
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Cost of Living Calculator
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Rent vs Buy Calculator
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Firefighter Salary in San Diego, CA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a firefighter in San Diego, CA is $70,120 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 159. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Diego's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level firefighter professionals in San Diego can expect to earn around $42,314 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $99,136 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
San Diego's cost of living index of 159 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Diego are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in San Diego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,300 per month, housing represents about 39.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In San Diego, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.