GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Firefighter Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$129,419/yr
Typical range: $123,412 – $139,370
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $103,535 | $8,628 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $112,163 | $9,347 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$129,419
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$144,949
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Firefighter salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Firefighters in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $129K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.