Average Firefighters Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Firefighters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $62,560. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $43,380, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of living considerations that influence compensation. The robust pay reflects the critical nature of the role and the specific economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $103,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 740 individuals, the Des Moines-West Des Moines area demonstrates a stable employment base for firefighters. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, implying that while the profession is established, there may be room for growth and opportunity for skilled professionals entering the market.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+44.2%above the national average.
$30.1
$1,203
$5,213
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for essential services like firefighting have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for public safety, and evolving training requirements. This trend likely positions current firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines favorably compared to previous years.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, as in most areas, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and leadership roles can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching into higher salary percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,810 | $17.7 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $46,920 | $22.6 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $51,580 | $24.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $78,200 | $37.6 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $103,520 | $49.8 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,560 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
1.833
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.85x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.85 for firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, there isn't an oversupply of firefighters relative to other occupations, potentially leading to competitive hiring for qualified candidates and stable employment prospects.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Firefighters Salary | $70,940↑ 13% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $53,720↓ 14% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $36,990↓ 41% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $46,770↓ 25% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $62,560. This typically ranges from $36,810 for entry-level positions to $103,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 44.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn substantially more than the national average, with their salary aligning well with the local cost of living.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($70,940) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines firefighter salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $62,560, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The concentration, or Location Quotient, for firefighters in Des Moines-West Des Moines is 0.85, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines affect firefighter salaries?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is at the national average (100), meaning the $62,560 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of firefighters in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
There are approximately 740 firefighters employed within the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.833 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA