Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Missouri, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Missouri
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
An applicant for examination shall be
- over the age of 21, who is of good moral character, and who is a graduate of and holds a degree in engineering from an accredited school of engineering (or a board approved equivalent), and has acquired at least four.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Landscape
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,470 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (An applicant for examination shall be; over the age of 21, who is of good moral character, and who is a graduate of and holds a degree in...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Landscape and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $48,470, Firefighters in Missouri earn 19% below the national median of $59,530. Missouri ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$48,470Hourly estimate
$23.3019% below national median
Difference: -$11,060
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#31 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $48,470 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,190 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $79,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $37,140 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,300 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $42,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Oklahoma | $47,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $44,060 | Specific course required | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Landscape
3605 Missouri Boulevard, Ste 380, Jefferson City, MO, 65109-1335
Phone: 5737510047ext8007352966
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $41,310 | Degree required | 21 years |
| Police Officer | $60,720 | Degree required | 21 years |
| Security Guards | $40,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $80,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Missouri?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Missouri?
Missouri lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Firefighter licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Missouri is $48,470. Salaries range from $29,910 (10th percentile) to $76,960 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Missouri earn 19% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $48,470.
How many Firefighters work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 6,740 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Missouri from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Landscape. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/apelsla.asp.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.