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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Firefighter in California is $49,691 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Entry Level Firefighter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Firefighter Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $54,061 | $4,505 | $1,040 | $26 |
| Average | $49,691 | $4,141 | $956 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,371 | $3,614 | $834 | $21 |
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An Entry Level Firefighter's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Firefighters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Entry Level Firefighter roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Entry Level Firefighter positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Entry Level Firefighter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $59,629 | $29.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Firefighter's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $54,061 | $4,505 | $1,040 | $26 |
| Average | $49,691 | $4,141 | $956 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,371 | $3,614 | $834 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Firefighter job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Consumer Portfolio Services
Irvine, CA
Consumer Portfolio Services | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About the Company. . CPS is more than just a leader in the sub-prime auto finance industry. we're a close-knit team drive... more
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Los Angeles, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. Entry-Level Assembler. Work schedule: M-F 7am-3:30pm with OT. Hourly rate: $18.47hr. Location: San Fernando Valley. Job S... more
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Lodi, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. The Entry Level Accounts Payable position will be performing data entry and clerical work using excel and... more
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OC Optometry Group
Newport Beach, CA
OC Optometry Group | Newport Beach, CA
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Acrisure Innovation
San Diego, CA
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4 Days Ago
KPFF Consulting Engineers
Los Angeles, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. At. KPFF Consulting Engineers. we are more than just an. engineering design firm. For over. 60 years... more
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