Public Service Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Firefighter Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median firefighter salary in Kansas City, MO is $47,546 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$47,546
vs State Avg
+$2,068
vs National
$-4,134
Cost of Living
92%

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

Kansas City offers a median firefighter salary of $47,546, which is $2,068 above the Missouri state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in Kansas City spans from $27,232 at the 10th percentile to $85,376 at the 90th percentile — a $58,144 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,440, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Firefighter Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level firefighter earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $27,232
25th Percentile $35,512
Median (50th) $47,546
75th Percentile $65,504
90th Percentile $85,376

Firefighter Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$46,512
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$45,478
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$43,928
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$42,378
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Firefighter in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open firefighter positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Firefighter make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $47,546 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $27,232 (10th percentile) to $85,376 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,546, a firefighter in Kansas City earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Kansas City's median firefighter salary of $47,546 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $45,478. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $47,546 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Kansas City? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Kansas 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.