Public Service Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Firefighter Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median firefighter salary in Topeka, KS is $42,894 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$42,894
vs State Avg
$-2,068
vs National
$-8,786
Cost of Living
83%

Firefighter Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median firefighter salary of $42,894, which is $2,068 below the Kansas state average of $44,962. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $42,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Topeka spans from $24,568 at the 10th percentile to $77,024 at the 90th percentile — a $52,456 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,560, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,060. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,560
$-5,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,160
$-8,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,060
$-13,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $24,568
25th Percentile $32,038
Median (50th) $42,894
75th Percentile $59,096
90th Percentile $77,024

Firefighter Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$49,613
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$48,579
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$45,478
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$43,928
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a Firefighter in Topeka

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas 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 Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Topeka

Browse open firefighter positions in Topeka, KS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Topeka

How much does a Firefighter make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Topeka, Kansas is $42,894 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,568 (10th percentile) to $77,024 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,894, a firefighter in Topeka earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Topeka's median firefighter salary of $42,894 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $44,962. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $42,894 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Topeka? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Topeka 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.