Firefighter salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 1 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$85,120/ yr
$7,093 / mo · $40.92 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$52,395
Median
$85,120
Experienced
$136,157
Demand
Moderate
Program length
1 to 4 years
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete1 to 4 years
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$52,395
- Median salary$85,120
- Experienced salary$136,157
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Firefighter in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Firefighter program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Firefighter tracks complete in 1 to 4 years.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Firefighter openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Firefighter in California is $85,120 per year, which is $40.92 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $52,395 while experienced Firefighters can earn up to $136,157 annually.
Next step
Find Firefighter Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Firefighter classes in your area.