Firefighter Salary in Missouri
Firefighter pay in Missouri, explained
Firefighters in Missouri earn a median of $49,080 per year ($23.60 per hour), which is 17% below the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $31,140, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $79,360. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Missouri.
Is $49,080 good pay in Missouri?
Adjusted for Missouri's cost of living (which runs 91% of the U.S. average), that $49,080 is worth about $54,043 in national buying power — ranking Missouri #31 for real pay (vs #31 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in Missouri
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs MO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (here) | $49,080 | $54,043 | — |
| Illinois | $78,380 | $78,413 | −$29,300 |
| Nebraska | $61,040 | $67,745 | −$11,960 |
| Iowa | $55,810 | $63,592 | −$6,730 |
| Oklahoma | $49,710 | $56,590 | −$630 |
| Tennessee | $49,300 | $53,663 | −$220 |
| Kansas | $45,900 | $50,961 | +$3,180 |
| Arkansas | $39,690 | $45,654 | +$9,390 |
| Kentucky | $37,150 | $41,205 | +$11,930 |
Firefighter in Missouri: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in Missouri?
Firefighters in Missouri earn a median of $49,080 per year ($23.60 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does Missouri pay firefighters well?
At $49,080, Missouri pays 17% below the national median for firefighters. An estimated 6,580 work in the state.