Firefighter Salary in Iowa

How Much Does a Firefighter Make in Iowa?

In Iowa, Firefighters earn a median of $55,190, with most earning between $43,430 and $65,240 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024).

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations

Your actual take-home pay as a Firefighter in Iowa depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Iowa state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Firefighter in Iowa

As a Firefighter working in Iowa, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Firefighter professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Iowa State Income Tax

Iowa has a state income tax that applies to all Firefighter salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Iowa's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Iowa salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Firefighter salary.

Cost of Living for Firefighter in Iowa

Your Firefighter salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Iowa. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $55,190 Firefighter salary in a low-cost area of Iowa provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Firefighter Salary Examples in Iowa

Here's what different Firefighter salary levels look like in Iowa:

Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Iowa salary calculator.

Compare Firefighter Salaries Across States

The same Firefighter salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $55,190 Firefighter salary in California results in about $2,760 to $5,519 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Iowa?

The median Firefighter salary in Iowa is $55,190 (BLS, May 2024), with most earning between $43,430 and $65,240.

How much does a Firefighter make after taxes in Iowa?

A Firefighter earning the Iowa median of $55,190 takes home approximately $44,428 per year after federal tax (~$4,443) and FICA (~$4,222), plus Iowa state tax (~$2,097). Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Is Iowa a good state for Firefighter professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Iowa's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Firefighter take-home pay in Iowa?

Use our Iowa salary calculator →

Or compare Firefighter salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.