Advertisement
Firefighters average salary by city in Iowa
- Ames$72,370
- Waterloo$66,280
- Des Moines$65,030
- Davenport$62,090
- Cedar Rapids$58,300
- Sioux City$54,540
- Iowa City$48,240
Pay, take-home pay and cost of living
| City | Average | Median | 25th pct. | Take-home* | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $72,370 | $86,010 | $66,560 | $57,604 | 89 |
| Waterloo | $66,280 | $61,190 | $61,190 | $53,529 | 87 |
| Des Moines | $65,030 | $56,910 | $46,500 | $52,572 | 92 |
| Davenport | $62,090 | $60,080 | $50,590 | $50,322 | 89 |
| Cedar Rapids | $58,300 | $61,370 | $50,390 | $47,420 | 89 |
| Sioux City | $54,540 | $60,030 | $49,660 | $44,542 | 86 |
| Iowa City | $48,240 | $50,600 | $34,070 | $39,720 | 92 |
*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Iowa school district surtaxes (a percentage of state tax in some districts) are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.
Firefighters salary in other states
More about pay in Iowa
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 33-2011.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.