Public Service Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Firefighter Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median firefighter salary in Columbia, MO is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Columbia 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 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO

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

Firefighter Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$47,546
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$46,512
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$43,928
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$42,378
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Firefighter in Columbia

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Columbia

Browse open firefighter positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Columbia

How much does a Firefighter make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Columbia earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Columbia's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $45,478. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $45,478 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Columbia? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Columbia 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.