Firefighter in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
Iowa employs 2,170 firefighters, with a statewide median of $55,810 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Firefighters Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $55,810 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,240
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $63,280
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $87,720
- Employed in Iowa
- 2,170
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $57,120 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for firefighters in major Iowa markets:
- Cedar Rapids
- $61,370 (170 employed)
- Waterloo
- $61,190 (80 employed)
- Omaha
- $61,040 (660 employed)
- Davenport
- $60,080 (410 employed)
- Des Moines
- $56,910 (730 employed)
- Iowa City
- $50,600 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $55,810 median stretches to roughly $63,565 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow firefighters employment +6.9%, faster than the +3.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001) — regulated by the Iowa fire departments / Fire Service Training Bureau.
- Complete a fire academy (a department-run or approved academy).
- Earn Firefighter I and II certification (NFPA 1001-based).
- Add EMT certification — most departments require it — then apply to departments.
Official requirements: Iowa fire departments / Fire Service Training Bureau →
Training in Iowa
Competitive hiring; EMT (or paramedic) plus academy certs make you a stronger candidate. Many start as volunteers/paid-on-call.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Hawkeye Community College — Associate
- Iowa Central Community College — Associate
- Kirkwood Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Firefighters Work in Iowa
Real Iowa fire departments that employ firefighters include:
- Ackley Volunteer Fire Department — Ackley
- Adair Fire Department — Adair
- Adel Fire Department — Adel
- Afton Fire and Rescue — Afton
- Agency Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department — Agency
- Ainsworth Fire and Rescue — Ainsworth
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People drawn to public service, physical challenge, and team-based work with a clear civic purpose.
Think twice if: Shift work, physical fitness testing, fire and smoke exposure, and civil service hiring timelines sound prohibitive.
Why it's resilient: Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
First Steps
Research your local fire department's recruitment cycle and start EMT-Basic training as the first practical step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do firefighters make in Iowa?
The median wage for firefighters in Iowa is $55,810 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,240, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $87,720. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Firefighter in Iowa?
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001), overseen by the Iowa fire departments / Fire Service Training Bureau. Complete a fire academy (a department-run or approved academy).
Is being a Firefighter a good career in Iowa?
Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
Which Iowa metros pay firefighters the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Cedar Rapids leads at $61,370, followed by Waterloo ($61,190), Omaha ($61,040). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Firefighter in Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College, Iowa Central Community College. Most firefighters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Firefighter a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects firefighters employment to change +6.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 33-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa fire departments / Fire Service Training Bureau (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.