Firefighter Salary in Wichita, KS: $43,928 (2026)

Firefighter Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median firefighter salary of $43,928, which is $1,034 below the Kansas state average of $44,962. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $43,928 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Wichita spans from $25,160 at the 10th percentile to $78,880 at the 90th percentile — a $53,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,200, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,700. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,200

$-4,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,200

$-7,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$69,700

$-12,300 vs national

Percentile	Wichita	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$25,160	$25,752	$29,600
25th Percentile	$32,810	$33,582	$38,600
Median (50th)	$43,928	$44,962	$51,680
75th Percentile	$60,520	$61,944	$71,200
90th Percentile	$78,880	$80,736	$92,800

Percentile

Wichita

10th Percentile

$25,160

25th Percentile

$32,810

Median (50th)

$43,928

75th Percentile

$60,520

90th Percentile

$78,880

How to Become a Firefighter in Wichita

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Wichita

How much does a Firefighter make in Wichita, KS? ▼

The median firefighter salary in Wichita, Kansas is $43,928 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,160 (10th percentile) to $78,880 (90th percentile).

How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Wichita? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $43,928, a firefighter in Wichita earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for firefighter pay? ▼

Wichita's median firefighter salary of $43,928 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $44,962. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼

Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $43,928 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Wichita? ▼

Most firefighter positions in Wichita 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.

Firefighter Salary in Wichita, Kansas