Firefighter Salary in Iowa
Based on 2K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$55,810
$26.83/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-3.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $88K
2K employed in Iowa
The median Firefighter salary in Iowa is $55,810 annually, or approximately $27 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average by 3.0%, with most firefighters in the state earning between $32,240 and $87,720 per year.
Several factors can influence a firefighter's earning potential in Iowa. These include years of experience, the specific size and funding of the fire department, and any specialized certifications or additional responsibilities held by the individual. Location within Iowa can also play a role, with larger cities potentially offering higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,240 |
| 25th percentile | $46,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $55,810 |
| 75th percentile | $63,280 |
| 90th percentile | $87,720 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,810 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,484 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,810 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,484 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $55,810 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $87,720 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Firefighter ($55,810 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in IA | $74,470 | +33.4% | $35.80/hr |
| Security Guard in IA | $37,080 | -33.6% | $17.83/hr |
| School Counselor in IA | $56,540 | +1.3% | $27.18/hr |
| Paralegal in IA | $54,550 | -2.3% | $26.23/hr |
| Editor in IA | $57,200 | +2.5% | $27.50/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IA | $57,980 | +3.9% | $27.88/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | +4.0% | $27.90/hr |
| Truck Driver in IA | $58,070 | +4.0% | $27.92/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | +4.7% | $28.09/hr |
| Librarian in IA | $58,440 | +4.7% | $28.10/hr |
| Producer and Director in IA | $58,550 | +4.9% | $28.15/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in IA | $58,810 | +5.4% | $28.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Iowa?
- The median Firefighter salary in Iowa is $55,810 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The average hourly rate often falls around $27.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Iowa?
- In Iowa, the salary range for firefighters typically spans from $32,240 for entry-level positions to $87,720 for more experienced or specialized roles. This wide range reflects differences in experience, department size, and responsibilities.
How does the Firefighter salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Iowa are currently about 3.0% lower than the national average. While the median Iowa salary is $55,810, the national median may be higher, indicating slightly less earning potential in Iowa compared to the rest of the country.
How many firefighters are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 2,170 employed firefighters across the state of Iowa. This number represents the total workforce within this profession in the state, influencing job availability and salary considerations.