salary$77,370 a year$37 an hour · median pay in the Modesto, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$62,320per year
Top pay (top 10%)$126,420per year
Jobs in the area230people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Modesto?
Expensive. Rent of $1,988 a month takes 30.8% of the median firefighter salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Firefighter pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Modesto
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Modesto, CA?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Modesto, CA area is $77,370 a year ($37 an hour). Most earn between $62,320 and $126,420.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Modesto?
Typical rent of $1,988 a month takes 30.8% of the median firefighter salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Modesto, CA metro area.