Fire science programs in Oakland, CA

7 schools within 30 miles of Oakland, CA offer fire science & firefighting programs, and one is in Oakland itself. Firefighters in California earn a median $85,120 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
7
Closest
3 mi
Public colleges
7
Median pay in CA
$85,120

7 fire science & firefighting schools within 30 mi of Oakland, CA

School results

  1. Merritt College

    Oakland, CA · 3.5 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Medical assistant
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +4
  2. Chabot College

    Hayward, CA · 11 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Electrician
    • Welding
    • +7
  3. City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco, CA · 13 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +23
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  5. College of San Mateo

    San Mateo, CA · 17 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Dental assistant
    • Cosmetology
    • +4
  6. Las Positas College

    Livermore, CA · 24 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • +4
  7. Los Medanos College

    Pittsburg, CA · 26 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • +7
  8. Mission College

    Santa Clara, CA · 29 mi · Public

    • Fire science & firefighting
    • Automotive technician
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +4

What firefighters earn in California

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

Median pay
$85,120
$40.92 an hour
Typical range
$52,390–$136,150
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in CA
31,470
Job growth, 2025–35
+3.7%
26,800 openings a year (U.S.)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the closest fire science & firefighting schools to Oakland?

The closest are Merritt College (Oakland, 3 mi), Chabot College (Hayward, 11 mi), and City College of San Francisco (San Francisco, 13 mi). In total, 7 schools within 30 miles teach fire science & firefighting.

How much do fire science & firefighting programs near Oakland cost?

For the 7 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $536 to $14,021. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do firefighters make near Oakland?

Across California, the median pay is $85,120 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.

How do I choose a fire science & firefighting school in Oakland?

Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.