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Firefighter Salary in Santa Rosa, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Santa Rosa's cost of living (index: 148). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in Santa Rosa β€” Key Numbers

$89,792
Median Salary
$62,589
25th Percentile
$126,688
75th Percentile
$166,411
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median+48.0%
Santa Rosa median household income$88,400
vs. City household income+1.6%

Cost of Living in Santa Rosa

Cost of Living Index
148(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,100/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.1%
Annual rent cost$25,200
Median Home Price$680,000
Home Price / Salary7.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$136,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.6 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 Santa Rosa

4.0%
Unemployment Rate
510,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
40.3
Median Age

Santa Rosa has a metro population of 510,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Santa Rosa, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in Santa Rosa is $89,792 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by Santa Rosa's cost of living index (148). The typical salary range runs from $62,589 (25th percentile) to $126,688 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $166,411.

Is Santa Rosa affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $89,792 annual salary, a Firefighter in Santa Rosa would spend approximately 28.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,100/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $680,000 is 7.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Firefighter's salary compare to Santa Rosa's overall income?

Santa Rosa's median household income is $88,400. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $89,792 earns 1.6% more than the typical Santa Rosa 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.