Firefighter Salaries in Kansas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a firefighter make in Kansas? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $44,060/yr ($21.18/hr), with around 3,630 people working in this field statewide.
Firefighter salaries in Kansas are below the national average by approximately $13,302. Kansas has a state income tax rate of up to 5.7%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean firefighters in Kansas enjoy reliable job security.
Kansas Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Kansas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Kansas has a state income tax rate of up to 5.7%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Kansas has a state income tax rate of up to 5.7%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Kansas Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Kansas median of $44,060.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Kansas
Firefighter Salary Trend in Kansas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for firefighters in Kansas: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Kansas's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Kansas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | $48,900 | $23.51 | +11.0% | 1,270 |
| Overland Park | $46,700 | $22.45 | +6.0% | 1,016 |
| Kansas City | $45,400 | $21.83 | +3.0% | 653 |
| Topeka | $42,300 | $20.34 | -4.0% | 326 |
| Olathe | $40,100 | $19.28 | -9.0% | 217 |
| Lawrence | $38,350 | $18.44 | -13.0% | 145 |
Tip: Wichita offers the highest firefighter salaries in Kansas at $48,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Kansas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Kansas sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Kansas has a state income tax rate of up to 5.7%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Kansas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Kansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Kansas job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean firefighters in Kansas enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Kansas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Kansas typically adds $36,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Wichita pays firefighters $48,900/yr — +11.0% above the Kansas average. Simply relocating within Kansas can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in Kansas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Nebraska pays firefighters $61,760/yr — 40.2% vs Kansas.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Kansas
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Kansas:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Kansas — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Kansas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Wichita, KS→