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Firefighter Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA

How much does a firefighter make in Cedar Rapids? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Cedar Rapids's cost of living.

Median Salary
$44,051
per year in Cedar Rapids
Entry Level
$26,582
Starting salary
Senior Level
$62,279
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
89
11% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Cedar Rapids.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$26,582$44,051$62,279
Monthly$2,215$3,671$5,190
Biweekly$1,022$1,694$2,395
Weekly$511$847$1,198
Hourly$13$21$30

Cedar Rapids vs National Average

How Cedar Rapids's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Cedar Rapids Salary
$44,051
COL Index: 89
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,309
Lower in Cedar Rapids

Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$54,680
per year
Population
137,710
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 89 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cedar Rapids have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+139%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+125%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+100%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+36%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+40%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Cedar Rapids.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Cedar Rapids, IA is $44,051 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 89. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cedar Rapids's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Cedar Rapids can expect to earn around $26,582 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $62,279 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cedar Rapids's cost of living index of 89 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Cedar Rapids are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Cedar Rapids typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 23.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Cedar Rapids, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.