Public Service Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Firefighter Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median firefighter salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-517
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $517 below the Iowa state average of $45,995. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Cedar Rapids spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

Firefighter Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$49,096
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$47,546
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$44,445
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$43,411
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Firefighter in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open firefighter positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Firefighter make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Cedar Rapids require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.