Firefighter in Davenport, IA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Davenport, Iowa.

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The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Davenport offers a stable living for Firefighters, but it’s crucial to understand the numbers. The cost of living here is significantly lower than the national average, which stretches your dollar further, even if the raw salary numbers aren't the highest in the nation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry data, the median salary for Firefighters in the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metro area is $55,286/year, or an hourly rate of $26.58/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, but the financial reality on the ground is often better than that comparison suggests due to our low housing costs.

The job market here is tight but steady. There are approximately 200 Firefighter positions in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a consistent need for replacements due to retirements and the occasional expansion of services. Davenport is a regional hub, and its fire department is professional and well-regarded, serving a population of just over 100,000.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Firefighter salaries in Davenport typically follow a structured pay ladder based on years of service and rank.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$45,000 - $50,000	Basic firefighting & EMT duties, apparatus operation, station duties.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $60,000	Lead firefighter on assignments, specialized training (Hazmat, Technical Rescue).
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $70,000	Acting Lieutenant, training officer, advanced paramedic roles.
Expert/Officer (Lieutenant/Captain)	$70,000 - $90,000+	Command on scene, administrative duties, budgeting, policy implementation.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median salary of $55,286 and typical progression in Iowa municipal fire services. Overtime, special duty, and educational incentives can push these figures higher.

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

To put Davenport in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against other major Iowa cities. While Des Moines and Cedar Rapids may offer slightly higher base salaries, the cost of living adjustments often level the playing field.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Davenport	$55,286	89.3
Des Moines	$58,150	94.4
Cedar Rapids	$54,900	90.1
Sioux City	$53,450	85.6

Davenport hits a sweet spot: a solid salary relative to its very affordable cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the monthly budget for a Firefighter earning the median salary of $55,286. This is where Davenport’s affordability becomes clear.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,607
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, Insurance, Retirement): ~30% = $1,382
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,225/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$773	Average for Davenport. A nice 1BR in a safe neighborhood is readily available.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, and trash.
Groceries	$300	For one person.
Transportation	$250	Car payment, insurance, and gas. Public transit (CART) is limited; a car is essential.
Health & Personal	$150	Gym, personal care, etc.
Retirement Savings	$300	Recommended minimum for a public safety career.
Discretionary/Lifestyle	$602	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies, travel.
Remaining Buffer	~$700	A healthy cushion for unexpected expenses or accelerated savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a net take-home of ~$3,225, a monthly mortgage payment of $1,000 - $1,200 is very manageable. In Davenport’s current market, you can find a solid 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for $150,000 - $220,000. With a 20% down payment, your monthly principal and interest would be roughly $650 - $950, plus taxes and insurance. This is well within a Firefighter’s budget, making homeownership a realistic and attractive goal here.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

The Firefighter job market in Davenport is dominated by municipal departments. Here are the key employers, from the largest to niche opportunities.

1. Davenport Fire Department (DFD): The largest employer. They operate 7 fire stations across the city, responding to over 10,000 calls annually. They have a strong emphasis on EMT/Paramedic services and are actively expanding technical rescue capabilities. Hiring is typically through civil service exams and is highly competitive.
2. Moline Fire Department (Illinois): Just across the river, Moline is a major regional employer. While in Illinois, many Davenport residents commute here. They have a similar call volume and structure to DFD and often run simultaneous hiring processes.
3. Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department: A unique federal employer. This department protects a massive military installation. It offers federal benefits and pay scales, which can be slightly different from municipal roles. Jobs here are posted on USAJobs.gov.
4. Bettendorf Fire Department: A neighboring city with a growing population and a modern fire service. They often look for candidates with paramedic certifications. Their call volume is high, providing excellent experience.
5. Scott County Emergency Communications Center (ECC): While not a firefighting role, the ECC is the primary 911 dispatch center for the region, including Davenport. Many firefighters start or supplement their income here as dispatchers, gaining invaluable radio and incident command knowledge.
6. Private Ambulance Services (e.g., MercyOne, Genesis Health System): These are critical pathways for gaining EMT and Paramedic experience before landing a full-time firefighting position. Many Davenport firefighters started their careers on these ambulances.
7. Local Industrial Facilities: Several large plants along the Mississippi River (e.g., John Deere, Alcoa) have their own on-site fire brigades or industrial fire protection specialists. These are often part-time or specialized roles, not full-time municipal firefighting, but they are a significant part of the local safety landscape.

Hiring Trends: Hiring in the Quad Cities is cyclical, often tied to retirements and grant funding for new positions. The trend is toward requiring EMT-Basic or, increasingly, Paramedic certification at the time of hire. Paramedic-certified applicants have a significant advantage.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa has clear, structured requirements for Firefighters, overseen by the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau (IFSTB) and the state's EMT/Paramedic regulatory bodies.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Firefighter I & II Certification: This is the baseline. You must complete a state-approved fire academy. This can be done through a community college (like Scott Community College in Davenport) or a dedicated fire academy.
   • Cost: $1,500 - $3,500 for the full academy, depending on the institution.
   • Timeline: A full-time academy typically runs 6-8 months. Part-time programs can take 12-18 months.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: Required by almost every department. The course is 120-150 hours and costs around $1,000 - $1,500. It's often a prerequisite for Firefighter I/II or can be taken concurrently.
3. Iowa Driver’s License: A standard driver's license is required. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is often required or strongly preferred for driving fire apparatus.
4. Background Check & Physical Agility Test (PAT): All agencies conduct rigorous background checks. The PAT is a standardized test (often the CPAT) that must be passed to be eligible for hire.

Timeline to Get Started:

• 0-3 Months: Research programs at Scott Community College (SCC) or the Davenport Fire Department Training Division. Enroll in an EMT-Basic course if you don't have it.
• 3-12 Months: Complete EMT and Fire Academy. Gain experience on a private ambulance.
• 12-18 Months: Apply to departments. The hiring process (written exam, PAT, interview, background) can take 3-6 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Davenport depends on your commute to a station, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide.

1. The North End / McClellan Heights: This area is close to Station 4 and Station 5. It's a historic neighborhood with beautiful older homes and a strong community feel. The commute to headquarters (Station 1) is about 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is around $750-$850. Ideal for those who want character and a central location.
2. East Village / Downtown: Walking or biking distance to Station 1 (Headquarters). This is for the firefighter who wants an urban lifestyle—restaurants, nightlife, and the riverfront. Newer apartment complexes and loft conversions are common. Rent is higher: $900 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Great for young, single firefighters or those without a long commute.
3. Rockingham / West End: A quieter, more residential area. It's a short drive to Station 3 and Station 7. You get more space for your money here—larger yards and single-family homes. This is a popular area for firefighters with families. Rent for a 1BR is cheaper, around $650-$750, and home prices are very reasonable.
4. Campus Area (near SCC): If you're in the academy, living near Scott Community College puts you close to training. It's a convenient, no-frills area with decent apartment options. Rent is low, often under $700 for a 1BR. A practical choice for students in training.
5. LeClaire (just north of Davenport): A separate town, but a popular choice for firefighters. It’s a scenic river town with a small-town feel, excellent schools, and a 20-minute commute to any Davenport station. Rent is similar to Davenport, but home prices are a bit higher for the quality of life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Davenport is about more than just a pay raise. Advancement comes with responsibility, specialized training, and potential earnings.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Paramedic Premium: Many departments offer an annual stipend or hourly premium for paramedic certification, often adding $3,000 - $6,000 to your base pay.
• Lieutenant/Captain: Promotion to officer ranks comes with a significant pay increase (into the $70k+ range) and shifts your role from hands-on firefighting to command, training, and administration.
• Specialized Teams: Davenport offers opportunities to join:
  • Technical Rescue Team: For Swift Water, Confined Space, and High-Angle Rope rescue.
  • Hazardous Materials Team: Advanced training and certifications.
  • Fire Investigation: Become a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI).
  • Instructor: Teach at the academy or for the department.
• Union Leadership: Involvement with the IAFF Local 47 can lead to a different career path focused on labor relations and policy.

10-Year Outlook:
With 4% growth and a wave of retirements from the "baby boomer" generation in the next 5-10 years, the outlook is stable. The key will be specialization. Firefighters with advanced medical skills (Paramedic) and technical rescue certifications will be in the highest demand. The trend is toward a "fire-based EMS" model, where medical calls make up 70-80% of responses. Becoming a paramedic is the single best career investment you can make in this region.

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

Davenport isn't the biggest city, but for a Firefighter, it offers a balanced, rewarding career with a high quality of life. It’s a place where you can own a home, raise a family, and be part of a tight-knit public safety community without the financial stress of a major coastal city.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Stretch your $55,286 salary further.	Competitive Hiring: You need EMT/Paramedic certs to be competitive.
Strong Sense of Community: Davenport residents deeply respect their firefighters.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: The arts and entertainment scene is smaller than in Des Moines or Chicago.
Diverse Call Volume: You'll get experience in urban, industrial, and river rescue.	Weather: Iowa winters are harsh, with heavy snow and ice.
Stable Job Market: 200 jobs and steady 4% growth mean consistent opportunities.	River Valley Geography: The hills and river can create unique challenges and commute routes.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: 24/48 or 24/72 shifts are common, allowing for ample time off.	Wage Growth: Salary increases can be slower than in larger metropolitan areas.

Final Recommendation:
If you are a motivated, certified Firefighter (especially with EMT/Paramedic skills) seeking a stable career where your income provides a comfortable, above-average lifestyle, Davenport is an exceptional choice. It’s a place to build a life, not just punch a clock. For those just starting out, the path is clear: get your certifications, gain experience, and you can build a solid foundation here.

FAQs

Q: Is it required to be a paramedic to get hired in Davenport?
A: Not universally, but it is highly recommended. The Davenport Fire Department and most surrounding departments are rapidly moving toward a fire-based EMS model. While you may be hired as an EMT-Basic, you will be required to obtain your paramedic license within a set time frame (e.g., 2-3 years) of being hired. Having it beforehand gives you a major edge.

Q: What's the cost of living advantage in Davenport?
A: The Cost of Living Index is 89.3, compared to the US average of 100. This means you effectively have about 10% more purchasing power than the national average. A median salary of $55,286 feels more like $60,000+ in a typical city, primarily due to housing costs.

Q: How do I get my foot in the door if I'm not certified yet?
A: Enroll at Scott Community College in Davenport. They offer a combined Fire Science/EMT program. While in school, apply for a part-time job as an EMT on a private ambulance service. This builds your resume and gives you invaluable real-world experience.

Q: What's the commute like?
A: Excellent. Davenport is a compact city. Most firefighters live within a 15-20 minute drive of their station. Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities. The only minor hiccup is the river, but the bridges are plentiful and usually not a major delay.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Yes. Davenport Fire Department offers overtime for special events, training, and staffing shortages. It's not guaranteed, but many firefighters supplement their income through overtime, which can add significantly to the median salary.