Public Service Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Firefighter Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median firefighter salary in Des Moines, IA is $47,546 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$47,546
vs State Avg
+$1,551
vs National
$-4,134
Cost of Living
92%

Firefighter Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level firefighter earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $27,232
25th Percentile $35,512
Median (50th) $47,546
75th Percentile $65,504
90th Percentile $85,376

Firefighter Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$49,096
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$45,478
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$44,445
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$43,411
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Firefighter in Des Moines

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Des Moines 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open firefighter positions in Des Moines, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Firefighter make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $47,546 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $27,232 (10th percentile) to $85,376 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,546, a firefighter in Des Moines earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Des Moines's median firefighter salary of $47,546 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $47,546 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Des Moines? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Des Moines 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.