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Firefighter Salary in San Jose, CA

Firefighter salary data for San Jose, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Firefighter Salary in San Jose, CA — 2026

The median Firefighter salary in San Jose, CA is $109,200 per year ($9,100/month, $53/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 195, which is 95% above the national average.

Entry Level
$74K
$36/hr
Median
$109K
$53/hr
Senior
$154K
$74/hr
Top Earner
$203K
$98/hr

Firefighter Take-Home Pay in San Jose

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$109,200
Federal Tax-$15,638
State Tax (9.3%)-$10,156
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$8,354
Annual Take-Home$75,053
Monthly Take-Home$6,254

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$3,200/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio35.2%
Median Home Price$1,350,000
Cost of Living Index195
City Median Salary$117,000
Firefighter vs City Median$-7,800

Firefighter Requirements

Education
High School Diploma + Fire Academy
Experience
Fire Academy
Job Growth
4.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Fire SuppressionEMTRescue OperationsHazmatEquipment Operation

San Jose Job Market Overview

San Jose, California has a population of 1,013,240 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Technology, Semiconductor, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 2.8%, and the average commute time is 29 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in San Jose, CA?
The median Firefighter salary in San Jose, CA is $109,200 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 195. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $74,100, while senior-level professionals can earn $154,050 or more.
How much does a Firefighter take home in San Jose after taxes?
A Firefighter earning the median salary of $109,200 in San Jose, CA takes home approximately $75,053 per year ($6,254/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.3%.
Is San Jose a good city for Firefighters?
San Jose, CA has a cost of living index of 195 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Semiconductor, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Firefighter in San Jose?
Key skills for Firefighters include Fire Suppression, EMT, Rescue Operations, Hazmat, Equipment Operation. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma + Fire Academy. Valuable certifications include EMT-B, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Operations.
How does Firefighter salary in San Jose compare to the national average?
The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In San Jose, the adjusted salary is $109,200, which is 95.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in San Jose, CA?

The median Firefighter salary in San Jose, CA is $109,200 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 195. Entry-level Firefighters earn around $74,100, while senior-level professionals can earn $154,050 or more.

How much does a Firefighter take home in San Jose after taxes?

A Firefighter earning the median salary of $109,200 in San Jose, CA takes home approximately $75,053 per year ($6,254/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 31.3%.

Is San Jose a good city for Firefighters?

San Jose, CA has a cost of living index of 195 (above national average). Firefighters here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Technology, Semiconductor, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Firefighter in San Jose?

Key skills for Firefighters include Fire Suppression, EMT, Rescue Operations, Hazmat, Equipment Operation. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma + Fire Academy. Valuable certifications include EMT-B, Firefighter I/II, Hazmat Operations.

How does Firefighter salary in San Jose compare to the national average?

The national median Firefighter salary is $56,000. In San Jose, the adjusted salary is $109,200, which is 95.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.