If you're considering a career in firefighting in Iowa, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much do firefighters actually make in Iowa? Is it enough to support a family? And how does it compare to what firefighters earn in other states?
The average firefighter salary in Iowa is $57,240 per year, which is below the national average of $63,630. Iowa ranks #25 out of 50 states for firefighter pay. Entry-level firefighters can expect to earn around $32,240, while the most experienced firefighters earn up to $87,720 annually.
We pulled this data directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025 data, the most recent available) so you can see exactly what firefighters are earning in Iowa right now. Let's break it all down.
How Much Do Firefighters Make in Iowa?
Here are the key numbers for firefighters in Iowa, straight from the BLS:
| Metric | Iowa | National |
|---|---|---|
| Average (mean) annual salary | $57,240 | $63,630 |
| Median annual salary | $55,810 | $59,280 |
| Entry level (10th percentile) | $32,240 | $34,910 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $87,720 | $101,040 |
| Firefighters employed | 2,170 | — |
The median is often the more useful number. Half of Iowa firefighters earn more than $55,810 and half earn less. The average gets pulled around by a small number of very high earners in the biggest departments.
Firefighter Salary Breakdown in Iowa
- Entry level: Around $32,240. This is what a probationary firefighter at a smaller or rural department can expect in year one.
- Mid career: Around $55,810. Most firefighters with five to ten years on the job land in this range.
- Experienced / senior: Up to $87,720 and beyond. Top-step firefighters, engineers, and lieutenants at the largest departments, especially with overtime and paramedic pay, sit here.
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Iowa City run the largest career departments. Much of Iowa is protected by volunteer and paid-on-call departments, and the state has one of the highest volunteer-to-career ratios in the country.
Iowa vs. National Average
At $57,240, the average Iowa firefighter earns about $6,390 (10%) less than the national average of $63,630. That puts Iowa at #25 of 50 states. For comparison, California leads the country at $95,090 and the lowest-paying state comes in at $36,610.
Iowa's cost of living is low, and housing in particular is affordable in every metro area. A modest salary stretches further here than in most states.
Factors That Affect Firefighter Pay in Iowa
- Department size and location. Big-city departments pay the most. The largest employers are in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo.
- Union representation. Iowa's career departments are unionized through IAFF locals with negotiated contracts, although the state narrowed public sector bargaining rights in 2017.
- Certifications. Paramedic certification is the single biggest pay bump for most firefighters, often adding $5,000 to $15,000 a year. Hazmat, technical rescue, and driver/operator certifications add more.
- Overtime. Most departments run 24-hour shifts, and overtime, holiday pay, and call-back pay can add 10% to 30% on top of base salary.
- Rank. Promotion to engineer, lieutenant, captain, and chief officer each brings a meaningful raise. Chief officers in Iowa's large departments earn well into six figures.
How to Become a Firefighter in Iowa
The basic path is the same everywhere: meet the age and education requirements, pass a written test and the CPAT physical ability test, clear a background check and medical exam, and complete a fire academy. Many Iowa departments strongly prefer or require EMT certification, and paramedic certification makes you a much stronger candidate.
We have a full step-by-step guide: How to Become a Firefighter in Iowa.
Is Being a Firefighter in Iowa Worth It?
Pay is only part of the picture. Firefighters in Iowa typically get a defined-benefit pension, employer-paid health insurance, and a schedule that leaves plenty of days off for family or a second job. Against that you have to weigh the physical toll, the exposure to trauma, and the long-term health risks that come with the job. For most people who want this career, the answer is still yes. Just go in with realistic numbers.
Free Firefighter Career Tools
- Firefighter Salary Calculator — See what firefighters earn in your state
- Free Resume Review Guide — Download our free firefighter resume review checklist
- Eligibility Checker — Find out if you meet the requirements to become a firefighter
- Interview Prep Quiz — Test your firefighter interview knowledge with our free quiz
- CPAT Training Timer — Practice all 8 CPAT events with our free countdown timer
Want to see a personalized estimate? Use our free Firefighter Salary Calculator to see what you could earn based on your state, experience, and rank.
