GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Firefighter Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$103,535/yr
Typical range: $94,248 – $123,412
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Firefighter salary by experience level in San Francisco
Firefighter Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $84,122 | $7,010 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,907 | $7,909 | +13% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $103,535 | $8,628 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $112,163 | $9,347 | +33% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $129,419 | $10,785 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $144,949 | $12,079 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $148,832 | $12,403 | +77% |
Current Salary
$103,535
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $50/hr
Next Level Target
$112,163
Senior · 6
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Firefighter salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Firefighters in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $104K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Firefighter make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $104K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $50/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Firefighter in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in San Francisco, CA earns $123K–$139K/yr.