Public Service Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Firefighter Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median firefighter salary in Sioux City, IA is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$43,411
vs State Avg
$-2,584
vs National
$-8,269
Cost of Living
84%

Firefighter Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median firefighter salary of $43,411, which is $2,584 below the Iowa state average of $45,995. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $43,411 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Sioux City spans from $24,864 at the 10th percentile to $77,952 at the 90th percentile — a $53,088 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,880. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $24,864
25th Percentile $32,424
Median (50th) $43,411
75th Percentile $59,808
90th Percentile $77,952

Firefighter Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$49,096
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$47,546
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$45,478
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$44,445
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Firefighter in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open firefighter positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Firefighter make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $43,411 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,864 (10th percentile) to $77,952 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,411, a firefighter in Sioux City earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Sioux City's median firefighter salary of $43,411 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $45,995. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $43,411 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Sioux City? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Sioux City 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.