Kansas Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Kansas firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Kansas firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
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Kansas Firefighter Salary — Quick Numbers (2026)
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $49,350):
| Level | Annual Base Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (probation / step 1) | $38,000–$50,000 |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | $52,000–$66,000 |
| Top-step Firefighter | $60,000–$76,000 |
| With overtime (realistic) | $70,000–$90,000 |
| Engineer / Driver-Operator | $66,000–$82,000 |
| Captain | $78,000–$98,000 |
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
| Department | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita Fire Department | $48,000–$78,000 | Largest department in Kansas. Aviation industry proximity; industrial hazmat response is common. |
| Overland Park Fire Department | $52,000–$82,000 | Kansas City suburb; above-average pay driven by proximity to Kansas City metro. |
| Topeka Fire Department | $44,000–$70,000 | State capital; smaller department, stable employment. |
| Olathe Fire Department | $50,000–$80,000 | Fast-growing KC suburb; competitive compensation. |
Overtime and Premium Pay
Limited OT in most Kansas departments. Wichita has more OT than smaller cities. Kansas City metro suburbs (Overland Park, Olathe) benefit from the regional market.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Kansas Police & Firemen's Retirement System (KP&F). Defined-benefit. Firefighter contribution rate approximately 7.15% of gross pay.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Kansas has very low cost of living. Housing is among the most affordable in the U.S. A $60,000 salary in Wichita or Topeka provides strong real-world purchasing power.
KS Firefighter Career Outlook
Below-average salaries but low cost of living. Kansas City metro suburbs offer the best compensation. KP&F pension is solid. Good work-life balance for those prioritizing quality of life over income maximization.
How to Compare Two Kansas Departments
- Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
- Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
- Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
- Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
- Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
- Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Kansas?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Kansas is $49,350. Career firefighters typically earn $52,000–$66,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $70,000–$90,000.
Do Kansas firefighters get a pension?
Kansas Police & Firemen's Retirement System (KP&F). Defined-benefit. Firefighter contribution rate approximately 7.15% of gross pay.
Is Kansas a good state for a firefighter career?
Below-average salaries but low cost of living. Kansas City metro suburbs offer the best compensation. KP&F pension is solid. Good work-life balance for those prioritizing quality of life over income maximization.
Interested in working as a firefighter in Kansas? See full guide to the firefighter hiring process — requirements, CPAT, written exam, and academy explained step by step.
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