Firefighter Salary in Waterloo, IA
How much does a firefighter make in Waterloo? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Waterloo's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Waterloo.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $23,894 | $39,596 | $55,981 |
| Monthly | $1,991 | $3,300 | $4,665 |
| Biweekly | $919 | $1,523 | $2,153 |
| Weekly | $460 | $761 | $1,077 |
| Hourly | $11 | $19 | $27 |
Waterloo vs National Average
How Waterloo's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Waterloo
About Firefighter
Overview
Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.
Education
High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade
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Explore Related Data for Waterloo & IA
Dig deeper into the numbers behind a firefighter salary in Waterloo — cost of living, take-home pay, affordability, taxes, and retirement projections all in one place.
Cost of living in Waterloo
Full breakdown of expenses, rent, and local purchasing power.
Take-home pay on $40,000 in IA
Federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare breakdown.
What you can afford on $40,000 in IA
Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.
Tax brackets on $40,000 in IA
See exactly which brackets your income falls into.
Firefighter salary across all of IA
State-level salary data beyond just Waterloo.
$150,000 mortgage in IA
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest for a typical home at this income.
Retirement at 30 earning $40,000
Projections, savings benchmarks, and how to stay on track.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Waterloo.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
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Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Waterloo.
Budget Calculator
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Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Waterloo.
Firefighter Salary in Waterloo, IA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a firefighter in Waterloo, IA is $39,596 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waterloo's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level firefighter professionals in Waterloo can expect to earn around $23,894 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $55,981 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Waterloo's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waterloo are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Waterloo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $650 per month, housing represents about 19.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Waterloo, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.