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Average Firefighters Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS

Firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an impressive average annual salary of $56,030, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation reflects the region's specific demands and the critical nature of the firefighting profession within the local community. Factors such as local economic conditions and the specific needs of the metropolitan area contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,730.
  • Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 3,230 firefighters, indicating a substantial and stable demand for these essential professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.37, the concentration of firefighting jobs is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing job market for those in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,030

The average Firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS earns+29.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.9

Weekly

$1,078

Monthly

$4,669

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS

Career progression for firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS typically involves a clear salary scale, with entry-level positions offering a foundational wage that increases significantly with experience. Senior firefighters, those with extensive training and years of service, can command substantially higher salaries, with the percentile gaps clearly signifying opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$33,280$16
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$42,023$20.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$58,960$28.3
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$70,038$33.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$82,730$39.8

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $56,030 for firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS 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 Kansas City is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location without the added burden of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

3,230

Total Jobs

2.958

Per 1K Jobs

1.37

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.37, Kansas City, MO-KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.37 for firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS indicates a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and potentially fewer candidates per opening compared to other regions, making it a favorable environment for job seekers and potentially offering competitive compensation to attract talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Lawrence, KS Firefighters Salary$52,270↓ 7%38 mi
St. Joseph, MO-KS Firefighters Salary$44,540↓ 21%47 mi
Topeka, KS Firefighters Salary$50,230↓ 10%60 mi

Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Kansas City, MO-KS?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS is $56,030. This typically ranges from $33,280 for entry-level positions to $82,730 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 29.2% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Kansas City, MO-KS offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters here earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings provide strong purchasing power.

Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($52,270) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.

How does the Kansas City firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Kansas City, MO-KS is $56,030, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Kansas City compared to the rest of the US?

Kansas City, MO-KS has a Location Quotient of 1.37 for firefighters, meaning the profession is 37% more concentrated than the national average, indicating higher local demand.

Does the cost of living in Kansas City affect firefighter salaries?

No, the cost of living in Kansas City is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary of $56,030 offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

How many firefighters work in the Kansas City, MO-KS area?

There are approximately 3,230 firefighters employed within the Kansas City, MO-KS 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 3,230 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 2.958 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS