salary$70,900 a year$34 an hour · median pay in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$56,830per year
Top pay (top 10%)$99,130per year
Jobs in the area2,880people work this job
Can a firefighter afford San Diego?
Expensive. Rent of $3,011 a month takes 51.0% 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in San Diego, CA?
The median pay for a firefighter in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area is $70,900 a year ($34 an hour). Most earn between $56,830 and $99,130.
Can a firefighter afford to live in San Diego?
Typical rent of $3,011 a month takes 51.0% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area.