Firefighter Salary in Missouri
Based on 7K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$49,080
$23.60/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-14.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $79K
7K employed in Missouri
The median Firefighter salary in Missouri is $49,080 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure is notably below the national average, with Missouri firefighters earning about 14.7% less. Currently, there are an estimated 6,580 firefighters employed across the state.
Several factors can influence a Firefighter salary in Missouri. These typically include years of experience, the specific fire department or municipality where one is employed, and any additional certifications or specialized skills acquired. The salary range for firefighters in Missouri falls between $31,140 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $79,360 for experienced professionals.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,140 |
| 25th percentile | $37,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,080 |
| 75th percentile | $64,170 |
| 90th percentile | $79,360 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,552 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,080 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,552 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,360 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Firefighter ($49,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in MO | $59,460 | +21.1% | $28.59/hr |
| Security Guard in MO | $40,390 | -17.7% | $19.42/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MO | $49,160 | +0.2% | $23.63/hr |
| Social Worker in MO | $49,560 | +1.0% | $23.83/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in MO | $48,370 | -1.4% | $23.25/hr |
| Title Examiner in MO | $48,190 | -1.8% | $23.17/hr |
| Bookkeeper in MO | $47,990 | -2.2% | $23.07/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in MO | $50,680 | +3.3% | $24.37/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MO | $50,910 | +3.7% | $24.48/hr |
| Dental Assistant in MO | $45,970 | -6.3% | $22.10/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in MO | $45,180 | -7.9% | $21.72/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in MO | $44,190 | -10.0% | $21.25/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Firefighter salary range in Missouri?
- In Missouri, the salary range for firefighters generally falls between $31,140 and $79,360 annually. This broad spectrum reflects differences in experience, location, and responsibilities within the profession.
How does the average Firefighter salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- Firefighters in Missouri earn, on average, 14.7% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median salary in Missouri is $49,080 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the hourly wage for a firefighter in Missouri?
- The median hourly wage for a firefighter in Missouri is around $24 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $49,080.
Is $79,360 the highest salary a firefighter can earn in Missouri?
- The figure of $79,360 represents the upper end of the reported salary range for firefighters in Missouri. While it indicates a high earning potential, individual salaries may vary based on specific departmental pay scales and significant experience or leadership roles.