Firefighter in Ames, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Ames Stands

Let's cut right to it. If you're a firefighter looking at Ames, you're not chasing a big-city paycheck. This is a stable, community-focused role in a manageable city with a solid cost of living. The data tells a clear story.

The median salary for a Firefighter in Ames is $55,646 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.75/hour. It's important to understand this is a median, meaning half the firefighters here earn more, and half earn less. The national average for firefighters sits at $57,120/year, so Ames is slightly below the national benchmark but competitive within the Iowa landscape. The metro area supports 131 firefighter jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, indicating stability rather than explosive growth. This isn't a place for dramatic career jumps in pay, but for long-term service with predictable advancement.

Here’s how pay typically levels out by experience within the Ames region:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic firefighting/EMS duties, station maintenance, initial training rotations.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	Leads crews on calls, specialized training (hazmat, technical rescue), mentorship.
Senior (10-19 years)	$63,000 - $70,000	Company officer, advanced incident command, equipment specialist.
Expert/Command (20+ years)	$72,000 - $85,000+	Battalion chief, fire marshal, or administrative command roles.

When you stack Ames against other Iowa cities, its position becomes clearer. Des Moines, the state capital, has a higher cost of living and larger department, pushing median salaries closer to $60,000. Cedar Rapids, a larger industrial center, also edges slightly higher. Meanwhile, smaller Iowa towns like Pella or Newton often have lower salary bands, closer to $50,000. Ames hits a sweet spot: it's a major employer (Iowa State University) with a stable tax base, but without the intense competitive pressure or cost of living of a major metro. The cost of living index at 91.4 (US avg = 100) is your biggest financial asset here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical about your monthly budget on a $55,646 salary. After estimated federal, state, and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $3,400 - $3,500 per month, depending on your withholding and benefits deductions.

The average 1BR rent in Ames is $918/month, but this is a city-wide average. Your actual housing cost will swing dramatically based on neighborhood and proximity to the fire stations. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for a single-income household:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Net Pay (Post-Tax)	$3,450	Based on $55,646 annual salary; excludes health insurance premiums.
Rent (1BR Average)	$918	Can range from $750 (older west side) to $1,200 (newer north side).
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150	Ames utilities are managed by the City of Ames. Winters can be cold; heating costs are a factor.
Groceries	$300	The local Fareway or Hy-Vee will be your staples; no major discount chains.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential. Ames has limited public transit. You'll need a reliable vehicle for all weather.
Fuel	$120	Commutes are short, but winter idling and errands add up.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$400	Cyclists, bars, restaurants, and Ames Community Orchestra. This covers it.
Remaining / Savings	$1,162	A healthy buffer for savings, debt, or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Ames is around $220,000 - $240,000. On a $55,646 salary, a $240,000 home is a stretch without a significant down payment. A 20% down payment is $48,000. A more realistic path for many firefighters is a 5-10% down payment on a starter home (e.g., $150,000 - $200,000), which is more achievable in neighborhoods like the South Side or older parts of the North. The key is that your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be close to or slightly above your current rent, making the transition feasible if you save aggressively for the down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Ames's Major Employers

Ames has a unique employment landscape centered around a major university and a robust public sector. Firefighting roles are almost exclusively public.

1. Ames Fire Department: The primary employer. It's a full-service, career department with four stations covering an area that includes the city of Ames, Iowa State University (a massive campus), and the unincorporated areas of Story County through a service contract. Hiring is periodic and competitive. They run a "Firefighter I/II" academy for recruits. Insider Tip: They have a strong emphasis on EMS, as they provide primary EMS for the county. EMT-Basic is often the minimum, but Paramedic certification is a huge advantage for hiring and promotions.

2. Iowa State University (ISU) Department of Public Safety: While ISU has its own police, it does not have a dedicated fire department. Fire response for the campus is handled by the Ames Fire Department under a contract. However, ISU Public Safety is a large employer in the area and sometimes has related safety or facility roles that could be a stepping stone.

3. Story County Emergency Management Agency (EMA): Located in Nevada, IA (10 miles east), this agency manages county-wide emergency planning and response. It doesn't hire many firefighters directly, but it's a key partner and a potential career pivot into emergency management later on.

4. Mary Greeley Medical Center: As the region's primary hospital, it's a major employer. While not hiring firefighters, it's a critical partner for EMS and medical training. Many firefighters work per-diem EMS roles here to supplement income and gain hospital experience.

5. McFarland Clinic: The largest multi-specialty clinic in the area. Again, not a direct employer for firefighters, but a key healthcare provider. For those with paramedic licenses, opportunities for part-time or per-diem work in clinic-based EMS or event medical services can exist.

6. Boone County Hospital: Located in Boone (20 miles west), it's another regional medical center. Similar to Mary Greeley, it can be a source of per-diem EMS work for those willing to commute.

Hiring Trends: The Ames Fire Department typically hires in cycles, often driven by retirements. With 10-year job growth at 4%, openings won't be frequent. They value candidates with strong EMS backgrounds (EMT-P), technical rescue training, and a clean driving record. The process is thorough: written exam, CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), oral board interviews, background check, and a polygraph. It can take 6-12 months from application to hire.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa's firefighter certification is managed by the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau (IFSTB), part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The process is standardized but requires significant time and financial investment.

1. Basic Requirements: Must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma/GED, and hold a valid driver's license. You must pass a background check.

2. Certification Path: The core is the Firefighter I & II Certification. This is typically achieved through a Recruit Firefighter Academy. In Ames, the most common path is to be hired by the Ames Fire Department first, and they will put you through their own academy. This is the best-case scenario as you are paid during training. If you are not yet hired, you can self-sponsor into an academy. The Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau lists accredited academies across the state. The cost for self-sponsored training can range from $3,000 to $5,000 for tuition, plus gear, books, and living expenses.

3. EMT Certification: This is non-negotiable for Ames. You must obtain your EMT-Basic (EMT-B) or EMT-Paramedic license through the Iowa Department of Public Health. The EMT-B course takes about 6 months (part-time) and costs $1,500 - $2,500. Paramedic school is a 1.5-2 year commitment costing $10,000 - $15,000. The Ames FD heavily favors paramedics.

4. Timeline to Get Started:

   • If you're already a certified Firefighter/Paramedic from another state: You can apply directly. Iowa has reciprocity, but you may need to complete some state-specific training (like Iowa's E-911 system). This is the fastest path.
   • If you are starting from scratch:
     • Months 1-6: Complete EMT-B course and pass the national exam.
     • Months 7-18: Obtain Firefighter I & II certification via a recruit academy (either self-sponsored or hired).
     • Months 19+: Apply to Ames FD and other departments. While in the academy, you can begin applying. The process is long; patience is key.

Insider Tip: Many departments, including Ames, will sponsor your EMT and Fire certs if you are a conditional hire. This is the ideal route. Always check the specific job posting for sponsorships.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Ames is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and price point. Commutes to the four fire stations are generally short (under 15 minutes) from almost anywhere.

1. Campustown (Adjacent to ISU): This area is packed with student housing and has a vibrant, youthful energy. It's very walkable and close to downtown restaurants and bars. Commute: Excellent to Station 1 (Downtown) and Station 2 (S. Duff). Rent: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Best for: Young, single firefighters who don't mind the student bustle.

2. North Ames: This includes areas north of 13th Street and around the ISU golf course. It's quieter, with more single-family homes and duplexes. It's popular with young professionals and ISU faculty. Commute: Easy access to all four stations. Rent: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR, or $1,200 - $1,600+ for a 2BR house. Best for: Those seeking a balance of city access and a more settled, residential feel.

3. South Side (South of 13th Street): A mix of older, affordable homes and newer developments. It’s less about student life and more about community. The South Duff Avenue corridor has good shopping. Commute: Slightly longer to the northern stations, but still under 15 mins. Rent: $750 - $950 for a 1BR. Best for: Budget-conscious firefighters, first-time home buyers.

4. West Ames: A more established, family-oriented area with good schools and parks. It's further from the university core, offering more space and quiet. Commute: To Station 3 (on the west side), it's a breeze. To others, still manageable. Rent: $850 - $1,050 for a 1BR. Best for: Firefighters with families or those who prioritize space and a suburban feel.

5. Downtown: There are some renovated apartments and lofts above storefronts. It's the most walkable, lively area. Commute: You could walk to Station 1. Rent: $950 - $1,300+ for a 1BR. Best for: Urbanites who want to be in the heart of the action.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career progression in Ames is structured and seniority-based. The pathway looks like this: Firefighter → Engineer (driver/pump operator) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step comes with increased responsibility and a pay bump, typically in the $5,000 - $10,000 range per promotion.

Specialty premiums are where you can increase your income beyond the base. The Ames FD offers pay incentives for:

• Paramedic Certification: Often the single largest incentive, critical for advancement.
• Technical Rescue Team: Members trained in rope rescue, confined space, and trench rescue.
• Hazmat Operations: Advanced hazardous materials certification.
• Fire Inspector/Investigator: Additional certification for fire prevention and investigation roles.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth rate is tied to population and service contract stability. The key factor for long-term growth is the potential for increased service to unincorporated Story County. If the county decides to expand its fire service contract with Ames, it could lead to more personnel. However, this is a slow-moving political process. Your most likely path to higher earnings is through promotion and specialty certifications. For command staff roles (Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal), a bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field becomes increasingly important.

The Verdict: Is Ames Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: $918 average rent and a 91.4 cost of living index stretch your $55,646 salary further than in most places.	Below-National-average Pay: Slightly below the $57,120 national average. Major pay jumps require promotion.
Stable, Respected Department: Ames FD is professional, well-supported by the community, and has a strong EMS focus.	Limited Job Openings: With only 131 jobs in the metro and 4% growth, you must be patient and competitive.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, a manageable city size, and four distinct seasons offer a great quality of life.	"College Town" Atmosphere: Can be a pro or con. It brings vibrancy but also periodic traffic and housing competition near ISU.
Strong Community Ties: You become part of the fabric of a community that genuinely values its first responders.	Weather Extremes: Iowa winters are long, cold, and snowy, which impacts both the job and daily life.

Final Recommendation: Ames is an excellent fit for a career-oriented firefighter who prioritizes community, stability, and a low cost of living over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for those starting a family, looking to buy a home on a reasonable budget, or who value a close-knit department. It's less ideal for someone seeking rapid career advancement in a large, diverse metro area or who has a low tolerance for inclement weather. For the right person, Ames offers a sustainable, rewarding long-term career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a paramedic to get hired at Ames FD?
A: While not always a strict minimum, it is a massive advantage. The department runs a high volume of medical calls. Most successful candidates are at least EMT-B certified, and many are paramedics. If you are not one, plan to get your EMT-B as soon as possible.

Q: What's the shift schedule like?
A: Most Iowa fire departments, including Ames, use a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule (or variations like 24/48/96). This allows for significant time off between shifts, which is a major benefit of the job.

Q: Is a college degree required?
A: No, not for entry-level firefighter positions. A high school diploma/GED is sufficient. However, for promotion to command ranks (Battalion Chief), a bachelor's degree is typically required or strongly preferred.

Q: How do I get information about the hiring process?
A: The best source is the official City of Ames website under "Jobs" or "Fire Department." They post detailed announcements and often hold open testing periods. Contacting the Ames Fire Department's training division for guidance can also be helpful.

Q: What's the biggest surprise about living in Ames?
A: The sense of community. Coming from a larger city, the way neighbors know each other and support local events (like the Ames Pride Festival or Cyclone football) can be a welcome change. Also, be prepared for the wind—it's a constant in Iowa.