Average Firefighters Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $53,720, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the unique demands and specialized nature of firefighting roles within a region that may face specific environmental or geographical challenges, necessitating a skilled and dedicated workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,850.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 individuals in this specialized field, the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area presents a stable, albeit niche, job market for firefighters. The location quotient of 0.51 indicates a lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of positions is modest, the demand may be consistent within its operational scope.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns+23.8%above the national average.
$25.8
$1,033
$4,477
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as increasing cost of living, advancements in firefighting technology and training, and the ongoing need for essential public safety services.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
The career path for firefighters in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area offers significant earning potential as experience is gained. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and leadership roles can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify robust career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,420 | $17 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $40,290 | $19.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $58,000 | $27.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $67,150 | $32.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $67,850 | $32.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,720 in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's income in this region is equivalent to the national standard, allowing for a comparable lifestyle without the financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.103
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.51x 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 0.51 for firefighters in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area suggests that the profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This indicates that while the absolute number of firefighters may be smaller, the job market is not saturated, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for qualified individuals seeking employment in this vital public service role.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Firefighters Salary | $70,940↑ 32% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Firefighters Salary | $62,560↑ 16% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Firefighters Salary | $65,390↑ 22% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Firefighters Salary | $56,750↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Firefighters Salary | $50,720↓ 6% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $53,720. This typically ranges from $35,420 for entry-level positions to $67,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 23.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in this region earn approximately $10,000 more annually than the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national benchmark.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($70,940) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the Southeast Iowa firefighter salary compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average of $53,720 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the cost of living for firefighters in Southeast Iowa?
The cost of living in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary of $53,720 will have the same purchasing power as it would in a typical U.S. location.
Is there high demand for firefighters in Southeast Iowa?
The location quotient of 0.51 indicates a lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.
What does the job market size indicate for firefighters in Southeast Iowa?
With a total local workforce of 220, the job market is specialized and modest in size, indicating consistent, localized demand for the profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.103 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area