salary$79,160 a year$38 an hour · median pay in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$56,410per year
Top pay (top 10%)$108,730per year
Jobs in the area3,390people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Riverside?
Expensive. Rent of $2,420 a month takes 36.7% 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 Riverside
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Riverside, CA?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area is $79,160 a year ($38 an hour). Most earn between $56,410 and $108,730.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Riverside?
Typical rent of $2,420 a month takes 36.7% 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 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro area.