GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Firefighter Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$72,956/yr
Typical range: $72,379 – $81,738
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $72,956 | $6,080 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $82,309 | $6,859 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,792 | $7,483 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $97,274 | $8,106 | +33% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $112,240 | $9,353 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $125,708 | $10,476 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $129,076 | $10,756 | +77% |
Current Salary
$72,956
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$82,309
Junior · 2
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Firefighter salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Firefighters in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $73K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Firefighter make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $73K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Firefighter in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in San Francisco, CA earns $107K–$121K/yr.