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Firefighter Salary in St. Louis, MO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for St. Louis's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Firefighter Salary in St. Louis β€” Key Numbers

$52,176
Median Salary
$36,369
25th Percentile
$73,616
75th Percentile
$96,698
90th Percentile
National median (Firefighter)$60,670
vs. National median-14.0%
St. Louis median household income$61,400
vs. City household income-15.0%

Cost of Living in St. Louis

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$900/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.7%
Annual rent cost$10,800
Median Home Price$205,000
Home Price / Salary3.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$41,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in St. Louis

4.3%
Unemployment Rate
2,820,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
36.6
Median Age

St. Louis has a metro population of 2,820,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Firefighter Salary β€” Other Missouri Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighter make in St. Louis, MO?

The estimated median salary for a Firefighter in St. Louis is $52,176 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $60,670 adjusted by St. Louis's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $36,369 (25th percentile) to $73,616 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $96,698.

Is St. Louis affordable for a Firefighter?

On a $52,176 annual salary, a Firefighter in St. Louis would spend approximately 20.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($900/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making St. Louis relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $205,000 is 3.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Firefighter's salary compare to St. Louis's overall income?

St. Louis's median household income is $61,400. A Firefighter earning the city-adjusted median of $52,176 earns 15.0% less than the typical St. Louis household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that St. Louis has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.