Public Service Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Firefighter Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median firefighter salary in Saint Louis, MO is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$46,512
vs State Avg
+$1,034
vs National
$-5,168
Cost of Living
90%

Firefighter Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Louis offers a median firefighter salary of $46,512, which is $1,034 above the Missouri state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% 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 Saint Louis spans from $26,640 at the 10th percentile to $83,520 at the 90th percentile — a $56,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
10th Percentile $26,640
25th Percentile $34,740
Median (50th) $46,512
75th Percentile $64,080
90th Percentile $83,520

Firefighter Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$47,546
Pop. 508,090
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 Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Firefighter Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open firefighter positions in Saint Louis, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Firefighter make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Saint Louis, Missouri is $46,512 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,640 (10th percentile) to $83,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,512, a firefighter in Saint Louis earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median firefighter salary of $46,512 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $45,478. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $46,512 in Saint Louis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Saint Louis? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Saint Louis 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.