Iowa Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Policy, Benefits & How to Compare
Last updated:
Compare all states:Firefighter Salary by State Hub · Tool:Salary Comparison Tool
Iowa firefighter compensation should be evaluated using verifiable details: pay scale by rank/step, schedule design, overtime policy, and benefit deductions. This guide helps you compare departments without relying on oversimplified state averages.
What Drives Firefighter Pay in Iowa
- Rank & step plan: confirm starting pay, step timing, and promotion differentials.
- Schedule structure: clarify how hours and premium time are handled.
- Overtime rules: assignment method and minimums determine realistic overtime potential.
- Benefits & deductions: retirement and healthcare contributions affect net pay.
Overtime and Specialty Pay: Verification Checklist
- Voluntary vs mandatory overtime
- Callback/holdover minimum pay time
- Caps/approval rules or comp-time alternatives
- Incentives for certifications or specialty assignments
Benefits and Total Compensation
Request benefit summaries and employee contribution rates. A department with similar base pay can result in different take-home pay depending on deductions and benefit design.
How to Compare Two Iowa Departments
- Match rank/step across departments.
- Confirm schedule and overtime calculation.
- Estimate realistic overtime based on staffing policy.
- Subtract retirement and healthcare deductions.
- Compare purchasing power where you plan to live.
FAQ
Why should I avoid comparing only “average salary” figures?
Because pay scales, overtime rules, and benefit deductions can vary widely. Two firefighters with the same title can have very different net pay depending on department policy.
What should I ask for before applying?
Ask for the pay scale, overtime policy summary, and benefits/deduction details (retirement and healthcare contribution rates).
