salary$56,910 a year$27 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$36,570per year
Top pay (top 10%)$103,370per year
Jobs in the area730people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Des Moines?
OK. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 26.7% of the median firefighter salary. That is under the 30% rule, so one paycheck covers rent comfortably.
Firefighter pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Des Moines
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $56,910 a year ($27 an hour). Most earn between $36,570 and $103,370.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 26.7% of the median firefighter salary, which we rate OK.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.