Salary distribution
Where San Jose firefighters fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $118,370 and $164,940, with a median of $164,940.
Typical entry
Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.5 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Education and Training
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
- 02
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- 03
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
- 04
Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
- 05
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
- 06
Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
- 07
Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
- 08
Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
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How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for firefighters.
- San Francisco$121,270
- Sacramento$108,320
- Los Angeles$99,210
- Riverside$75,230
- San Diego$70,120
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Firefighters in San Jose, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Firefighters in the San Jose metropolitan area is $164,940.
- Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Firefighters?
- The San Jose metro median is +97.8% versus the California state median of $83,400.
- How does San Jose compare to the national median for Firefighters?
- The San Jose metro median is +168.6% versus the BLS national figure of $61,399.
- What is the salary range for Firefighters in San Jose?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $68,600 and the 90th-percentile at $183,090 for the San Jose metro area.
- What education is required for Firefighters?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.