Firefighter in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
Kansas employs 3,360 firefighters, with a statewide median of $45,900 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Firefighters Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $45,900 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,810
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $57,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $76,110
- Employed in Kansas
- 3,360
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $57,120 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for firefighters in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $60,770 (3,000 employed)
- Topeka
- $57,570 (220 employed)
- Manhattan
- $53,290 (120 employed)
- Wichita
- $41,900 (790 employed)
- Joplin
- $38,850 (150 employed)
- St. Joseph
- $38,220 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,900 median stretches to roughly $50,943 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow firefighters employment +3.1%, about in line with the +3.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 290 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001) — regulated by the Kansas fire departments / state fire training.
- 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: Kansas fire departments / state fire training →
Training in Kansas
Competitive hiring; EMT (or paramedic) plus academy certs make you a stronger candidate. Many start as volunteers.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Coffeyville Community College — Associate
- Cowley County Community College — Certificate
- Dodge City Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Firefighters Work in Kansas
Real Kansas fire departments that employ firefighters include:
- Reno County Fire District 4 Station 2 — Abbyville
- Abilene Fire Department — Abilene
- Dickinson County Fire District 1 Station 4 — Abilene
- Grant Township Fire District 1 Abilene Station — Abilene
- Saline County Fire District 1 - Garfield Township — Abilene
- Sherman Township Fire Department — Abilene
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 Kansas?
The median wage for firefighters in Kansas is $45,900 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,810, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,110. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Firefighter in Kansas?
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001), overseen by the Kansas fire departments / state fire training. Complete a fire academy (a department-run or approved academy).
Is being a Firefighter a good career in Kansas?
Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
Which Kansas metros pay firefighters the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $60,770, followed by Topeka ($57,570), Manhattan ($53,290). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Butler Community College, Coffeyville Community College, Cowley County Community College. Most firefighters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Firefighter a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects firefighters employment to change +3.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 290 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 33-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Kansas fire departments / state fire training (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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.