GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Firefighter Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$108,955/yr
Typical range: $103,899 – $117,333
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Firefighter salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Firefighter Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $70,821 | $5,902 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,900 | $6,658 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $87,164 | $7,264 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $94,428 | $7,869 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $108,955 | $9,080 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $122,030 | $10,169 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $125,298 | $10,442 | +77% |
Current Salary
$108,955
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $52/hr
Next Level Target
$122,030
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Firefighter salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Firefighters in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $109K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Firefighter make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $109K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $52/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Firefighter in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in Los Angeles, CA earns $104K–$117K/yr.