Firefighter in Lakewood, CA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Lakewood, CA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

You’re looking at a salary that’s respectable for the region but doesn’t quite crack the top tier for California firefighters. As of the most recent data, the median salary for a Firefighter in Lakewood is $59,776/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.74/hour. This puts the local average above the national median of $57,120/year, which is a solid baseline, but keep in mind that California’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average.

The job market here is moderately active. There are currently about 156 firefighter positions in the metro area, reflecting a stable but not explosive market. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average for many professions but is fairly typical for a mature public safety sector in a densely populated region. This means openings will be competitive, often filled by internal promotions or candidates with prior experience.

To give you a clearer picture of how salary progresses, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local and regional union contracts and public salary data for similar-sized cities in Los Angeles County.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (1-3 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	Basic EMT/Paramedic duties, apparatus operation, scene support.
Mid-Level (4-8 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Lead firefighter, driver/engineer, specialized rescue training.
Senior (9-15 years)	$88,000 - $105,000	Station officer, training officer, advanced technical certifications.
Expert/Management (15+)	$110,000 - $140,000+	Battalion Chief, Division Chief, specialized command roles.

Insider Tip: Public sector salaries in California are almost always union-negotiated and publicly posted. Before you apply, spend time on the City of Lakewood’s HR page and the Lakewood Fire Department’s official site to review the current collective bargaining agreement. This will give you the exact step-and-grade system, overtime rules, and premium pay for certifications (like Hazmat or Dive Team).

How Lakewood Compares to Other CA Cities:

• Los Angeles (City): Higher median (~$85,000+) due to massive scale and higher cost of living in some parts of the city.
• Long Beach: Similar, often slightly higher (~$75,000-$95,000) due to port operations and a larger department.
• Santa Clarita Valley: Often higher (~$80,000+) due to a higher regional cost of living and more complex wildfire interface risk.
• Central Valley (e.g., Fresno, Bakersfield): Lower (~$60,000-$75,000), but cost of living is dramatically lower, offering more purchasing power.

Lakewood sits in a middle ground: a stable, well-funded suburban department in a high-cost region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. The median salary of $59,776/year pre-tax translates to roughly $4,981/month before deductions. After estimated federal/state taxes and typical deductions (health insurance, CalPERS retirement), your net take-home pay will likely be in the range of $3,700 - $4,000/month.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lakewood is $2,252/month. This is a significant chunk of your income.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Firefighter earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$3,850	After taxes, retirement, insurance
Housing (1BR Rent)	$2,252	Average for Lakewood
Utilities & Internet	$200	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas. CA has high car costs.
Food & Groceries	$400	Cooking at home is essential.
Health & Personal	$150	Co-pays, gym, personal items.
Savings/Debt	$498	Student loans, emergency fund, etc.
Remaining	$0	Extremely tight budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a major challenge on a single median income. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $800,000+. A 20% down payment is $160,000, with a monthly mortgage (at ~6.5% interest) around $4,000+. This is likely out of reach for a single individual at this salary without substantial savings, a second income, or years of promotion.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Lakewood live in more affordable neighboring cities like Cerritos, Norwalk, or even further out in the Inland Empire (e.g., Riverside County) and commute. This is common but adds to your daily cost and time. Union health insurance and defined-benefit pensions (CalPERS) are huge long-term financial benefits that offset the high cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. The median salary of $59,776/year pre-tax translates to roughly $4,981/month before deductions. After estimated federal/state taxes and typical deductions (health insurance, CalPERS retirement), your net take-home pay will likely be in the range of $3,700 - $4,000/month.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lakewood is $2,252/month. This is a significant chunk of your income.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Firefighter earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$3,850	After taxes, retirement, insurance
Housing (1BR Rent)	$2,252	Average for Lakewood
Utilities & Internet	$200	Electricity, gas, water, internet
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas. CA has high car costs.
Food & Groceries	$400	Cooking at home is essential.
Health & Personal	$150	Co-pays, gym, personal items.
Savings/Debt	$498	Student loans, emergency fund, etc.
Remaining	$0	Extremely tight budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a major challenge on a single median income. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $800,000+. A 20% down payment is $160,000, with a monthly mortgage (at ~6.5% interest) around $4,000+. This is likely out of reach for a single individual at this salary without substantial savings, a second income, or years of promotion.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Lakewood live in more affordable neighboring cities like Cerritos, Norwalk, or even further out in the Inland Empire (e.g., Riverside County) and commute. This is common but adds to your daily cost and time. Union health insurance and defined-benefit pensions (CalPERS) are huge long-term financial benefits that offset the high cost of living.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

The primary employer is the Lakewood Fire Department (LFD), a full-service, ISO Class 2 rated department. However, the broader region offers multiple pathways. Lakewood is strategically located in the heart of Los Angeles County, giving you access to a massive public safety ecosystem.

Here are the key employers and hiring trends you should know:

1. City of Lakewood Fire Department: The main gig. They operate 4 fire stations covering a 9.5 square mile area. Hiring is typically periodic, often triggered by retirements or the opening of new stations. They use a competitive civil service exam process. Trend: Steady, but competitive. They value community paramedic initiatives and technical rescue expertise.

2. Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD): One of the largest fire departments in the U.S. While Lakewood has its own city department, many firefighters live in Lakewood and work for LACoFD, which serves unincorporated areas and smaller cities. Trend: Constant hiring, but the process is long (can take 12-24 months from application to academy). They have extensive training facilities in nearby Commerce and off the coast.

3. Long Beach Fire Department: A large, urban department just minutes from Lakewood. They have unique challenges including a major port, high-rise structures, and maritime incidents. Trend: Highly competitive. They often look for candidates with specific experience or advanced certifications.

4. LA City Fire Department (LAFD): The biggest player. It covers the massive city of Los Angeles, which includes diverse environments from skyscrapers to wildfire-prone hills. Trend: Their hiring cycles are notoriously slow and subject to city budget politics, but they offer the highest earning potential in the region long-term.

5. Kaiser Permanente (Bellflower & Downey Campuses): While not a municipal fire department, Kaiser’s medical centers in the area often have their own fire safety/EMS liaison roles or hire for internal safety teams. Trend: Growing need for EMT/P in private healthcare.

6. Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center: This massive complex has its own on-site emergency response team, often staffed by off-duty firefighters or EMS professionals. A good source for supplemental income.

7. Cal Fire (Riverside & Los Angeles Units): For those interested in wildland/urban interface. While not based in Lakewood, Cal Fire stations are within a reasonable commute (e.g., in the foothills east of the LA Basin). Trend: Seasonal hires, with a path to permanent positions.

Rising Trend: Look for opportunities in community paramedicine. Lakewood and neighboring cities are investing in programs to reduce non-emergency 911 calls. Having a Paramedic certification is a huge advantage.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has strict licensing standards through the California State Fire Marshal (SFM) and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Firefighter certification is tied to your training.

Pathway 1: The Standard Route (Most Common)

1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification: Required for almost all departments. You can get this at a local community college (e.g., Cerritos College, Long Beach City College). Cost: $1,500 - $3,000. Timeline: 6-9 months (part-time).
2. Paramedic Certification (Optional but Highly Recommended): A much longer, more expensive commitment. Cost: $15,000 - $25,000. Timeline: 1.5 - 2 years (full-time). Many Lake Fire recruits are already Paramedics.
3. Fire Academy: You must graduate from a State Fire Marshal Certified Basic Fire Academy. You can find these at colleges like Cerritos College, Mt. SAC, or Rio Hondo. Cost: $5,000 - $10,000 (often covered by the hiring department if you’re selected). Timeline: 6 months (full-time, intense).
4. State Certification: After the academy, you apply to the SFM for your Firefighter I & II certificates. Cost: ~$200.

Pathway 2: Department-Sponsored Academy
Some departments, like Lakewood or LA County, may hold their own academies after hiring candidates who have already completed the prerequisites (like EMT). This is the most common path. You check the SFM website for certified academies and apply directly to the department.

Key Licensing Bodies & Resources:

• California State Fire Marshal (SFM): For fire certifications. Website
• California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST): For law enforcement (some departments, like some county fire, are under POST).
• California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): If you are a nurse seeking dual certification.
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT): Your EMT/Paramedic national certification, which converts to California.

Insider Tip: Start your EMT class immediately. It’s the single most important prerequisite. Also, get in the best physical shape of your life. The academy and CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) are grueling.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Lakewood is a classic 1950s post-war suburb, known for its tree-lined streets, parks, and strong sense of community. The city is largely flat, making biking or walking to work feasible from many areas.

1. North Lakewood (Near Lakewood Center Mall):

   • Vibe: The commercial heart. More apartments and condos, very close to Fire Station 1.
   • Commute: 0-10 minutes to most stations.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,200 - $2,400/month.
   • Best For: Those who want to be close to work, shopping, and the 605 Freeway.

2. West Lakewood / Lakewood Village:

   • Vibe: Quiet, established neighborhoods with single-family homes and townhomes. Close to the Lakewood Country Club.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to stations.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,100 - $2,300/month (some older complexes).
   • Best For: Those who want a suburban feel with easy access to Long Beach and the 405 Freeway.

3. South Lakewood (Near the Lakewood Regional Medical Center):

   • Vibe: Residential, with a mix of housing styles. Close to the border of Cerritos.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to stations.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,000 - $2,200/month (slightly more affordable).
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance between cost and Lakewood amenities.

4. Adjacent City: Cerritos (East of Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Very similar to Lakewood, known for excellent schools and a massive shopping center.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Lakewood stations.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,300 - $2,500/month (often slightly higher than Lakewood due to school district).
   • Best For: Those prioritizing top-tier public schools for a family.

5. Adjacent City: Signal Hill (West of Lakewood):

   • Vibe: A tiny hilltop city surrounded by Long Beach. More urban, closer to downtown Long Beach.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Lakewood stations.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,400 - $2,600/month (higher due to location).
   • Best For: Those who want a trendier, city-adjacent lifestyle with a shorter commute to Long Beach opportunities.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the 605 and 405 freeways is notoriously bad. Living within 5-10 miles of your assigned station is a quality-of-life game-changer. Try to visit during rush hour before you sign a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Lakewood is stable with clear advancement paths, but it requires proactive effort.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Driver/Engineer: Requires additional training (Fire Apparatus Engineer). Adds a pay premium. Path: After 2-3 years of experience.
• Specialist Roles: Hazmat, Dive Team, Urban Search & Rescue (USAR), Fire Investigation. These roles often come with stipends and overtime opportunities. Path: Pass department-specific tests and training.
• Officer Track (Captain/Battalion Chief): Requires leadership training, often through CA State Fire Training (SFT). Path: Seniority, testing, and often a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or Public Administration.
• Paramedic: A critical differentiator. In many departments, paramedic certification is tied to higher pay scales and is essential for promotion to leadership or specialized units.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 10-year job growth of 4%, the market isn’t expanding rapidly, but turnover from retirements will create openings. The biggest factor will be budgets. California’s city finances can be tight, affecting new hires. However, the fundamental need for fire services in a dense, high-risk area like Southern California ensures long-term stability.

Insider Tip: Invest in your education early. A degree from a school like Cerritos College or Cal State Long Beach can set you apart for promotion. Network within the regional fire community—attend training events and join organizations