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Firefighter Salary in Los Angeles, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Los Angeles's cost of living (index: 173). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Los Angeles β€” Key Numbers

$104,959
Median Salary
$73,162
25th Percentile
$148,088
75th Percentile
$194,521
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median+73.0%
Los Angeles median household income$76,000
vs. City household income+38.1%

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

Cost of Living Index
173(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,050/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.4%
Annual rent cost$24,600
Median Home Price$860,000
Home Price / Salary8.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$172,000
Years to save (20% rate)8.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Los Angeles

5.3%
Unemployment Rate
13,200,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
36.4
Median Age

Los Angeles has a metro population of 13,200,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Los Angeles, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Los Angeles is $104,959 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Los Angeles's cost of living index (173). The typical salary range runs from $73,162 (25th percentile) to $148,088 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $194,521.

Is Los Angeles affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $104,959 annual salary, a Firefighter in Los Angeles would spend approximately 23.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,050/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Los Angeles relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $860,000 is 8.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Firefighter's salary compare to Los Angeles's overall income?

Los Angeles's median household income is $76,000. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $104,959 earns 38.1% more than the typical Los Angeles household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.