Firefighter Apprenticeship in Missouri

Wages, programs & career outlook
MO Median Salary
$48,470/yr
-19% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
MO Employment
6,740
Firefighters employed
MO Sponsors
1231
Registered programs

Missouri Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Missouri across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$29,910
25th %ile
$36,880
Median
$48,470
75th %ile
$64,930
90th %ile
$76,960

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Missouri

The $48,470 median for Missouri Firefighters tracks close to the national all-occupation average. The value here is in the apprenticeship model: earn while you learn, graduate debt-free.

At $48,470/yr, Missouri is one of the lower-paying states for Firefighters — 19% below the $59,530 national median. Apprentices here should weigh relocation after completing their term.

Looking ahead to 2034, Firefighter employment should expand by 3.4%. That translates to roughly 27,100 openings annually when you factor in retirements — enough to absorb most apprenticeship completers.

At 6,740 employed Firefighters, Missouri holds 2.0% of the national market. Enough critical mass for functional apprenticeship programs, though not as many options as the top-employing states.

Hybrid apprenticeships for Firefighters combine the structure of time-based training with the flexibility of competency milestones. Plan on 2 years, though strong performers in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams sometimes finish earlier.

Prospective Firefighter apprentices in Missouri have 1,231 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

Apprentices entering the Firefighter trade in Missouri start near the $29,910 floor but have a clear path to $76,960 — a $47,050 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Missouri

1231 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Missouri. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Adrian R-III School Adrian
Advance R-IV Advance
BMG PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC Affton
Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program - Electricians Affton St. Louis County
City of Albany Albany
Cooper Gear & Manufacturing Anderson Mcdonald County
HUSTON LARUE Anderson
Appleton City R-II Appleton City
Fox C-6 Arnold
Missouri Career Center - Arnold Arnold
PCX Construction Arnold
United Specialty Contractors Arnold
Workforce Development Board of Jefferson/Franklin Counties Arnold
Ava R-I School District Ava Douglas County
Ava School Distirct Ava
City of Ava Ava
MISSOURI RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION Ava Boone County
PMRG - Project Management Resource Group Ava Greene County
Brookman Plumbing Ballwin
Kizer Academy Barnhart
Stubenrauch Farms Bell City
Maries R-II Belle
Belleview R-III Belleview
Belton 124 Belton
Burns Mechanical, LLC Belton
+ 5 more sponsors in Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Missouri?
Firefighters in Missouri earn a median salary of $48,470/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is below the national median of $59,530 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Firefighter through apprenticeship?
The standard Firefighter apprenticeship is 2 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Firefighters?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Firefighters combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Is there demand for Firefighters?
Demand for Firefighters is steady, with 3.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Firefighter apprenticeship in Missouri?
There are 1231 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Missouri. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Firefighter apprentices get paid during training?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Missouri, a first-year Firefighter apprentice might earn around $24,235/yr (roughly half the $48,470 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 2-year program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Missouri

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.