Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in Iowa, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in Iowa, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | IA |
|---|---|
| Workers | 2,170 |
| 10th percentile | $32,240 |
| Median | $55,810 |
| 90th percentile | $87,720 |
| National median, government employers | $60,050 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pension in Iowa
State employees: State public safety
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPERS Protection Occupation Membership (Special Service) Protection Occupation (benefit enhancements effective 2026-07-01, HF 969 of 2025) | 2.7272% | age 55 (vested, after leaving covered employment) | 7.885% | Covered |
Local employees: Local police and firefighters
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPERS Protection Occupation Membership (Special Service) Protection Occupation (benefit enhancements effective 2026-07-01, HF 969 of 2025) | 2.7272% | age 55 (vested, after leaving covered employment) | 7.885% | Covered |
| Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI) MFPRSI (Chapter 411; single tier) | 3% | age 55 with at least 4 years of service (vested); full 66% requires 22 years | 9.675% | Not covered |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the Iowa pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in Iowa
78 fire departments in Iowa, largest Des Moines Fire Department, Cedar Rapids Fire Department, Davenport Fire Department.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for Iowa
National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - EMT CertificationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter II Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness-Level Responder CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NTN FireTEAM Firefighter Entry-Level ExamPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Firefighter page.
Firefighter in other states
More government jobs in Iowa
Iowa government jobs · Iowa public pension plans · police officer standards in Iowa · exam practice in Iowa