Salamander is a fairly easy boss. He is like most typical FFIII bosses. He attacks twice in succession.
Lvl: 19
HP: 5,700
Atk: 41
Def: 25
Weaknesses: Ice, Water
For this boss I recommend having 1 black mage and then melee fighters. Problem with the mages early on in the game is the lack of equipment. They tend to take a lot of damage and will require high maintenance. I used 3 dual wielding Freelancers and a Black Mage. My Mage would spam Blizzara while my freelancers would attack and absorb damage. Arc had Lvl 1 cure ability for healing as well.
I found this to be easy and I beat him on my first try. Try your best to be at equal level to him.