Firefighters in California have a wide salary range depending on experience, location, and specific roles:

• The average annual salary for a firefighter in California is approximately $57,996 to $77,640 per year, with some sources citing an average around $58,000 to $78,000 per year

• Entry-level firefighters typically start around $49,000 to $75,000 annually, with some specific firefighter I positions averaging about $57,849 per year

• More experienced or specialized firefighters, such as firefighter/paramedics, can earn significantly more, with averages around $103,000 per year and some salaries reported up to $135,000 or higher

• Fire departments in certain cities, like Santa Clara, offer firefighter salaries ranging from about $106,000 to $132,000 annually, reflecting local pay scales and cost of living adjustments

• Overall, firefighter salaries in California vary broadly from roughly $30,000 on the low end to over $150,000 for top earners, with the majority earning between $44,900 and $122,400 depending on rank and experience

In summary, a typical firefighter in California can expect to make between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with opportunities to earn more through advancement, specialization, and working in higher-paying departments or cities. Top earners and specialized roles can exceed $100,000 per year.