Public Service Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Firefighter Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median firefighter salary in Independence, MO is $43,928 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$43,928
vs State Avg
$-1,550
vs National
$-7,752
Cost of Living
85%

Firefighter Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median firefighter salary of $43,928, which is $1,550 below the Missouri state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for firefighters in Independence 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 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, 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

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $25,160
25th Percentile $32,810
Median (50th) $43,928
75th Percentile $60,520
90th Percentile $78,880

Firefighter Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$47,546
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$46,512
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$45,478
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$42,378
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Firefighter in Independence

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Independence

Browse open firefighter positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Independence

How much does a Firefighter make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Independence, Missouri 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 Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,928, a firefighter in Independence earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Independence's median firefighter salary of $43,928 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $45,478. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $43,928 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Independence? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Independence 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.