Compensation Increases Coming for KCKFD Paramedics

Published on November 22, 2021

The Kansas City Kansas Fire Department and the International Association of Firefighters, Local No. 64 (IAFF) are pleased that they are able to announce that they have reached agreement on a compensation package for the positions of need of Firefighter-Paramedic. The Fire Department, IAFF Local 64, and the Unified Government have signed a letter of understanding that increases the compensation for Firefighters-Paramedics employed with the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD).

These changes provide competitive compensation for Firefighter-Paramedics and are necessary to ensure that the KCKFD can attract and retain paramedics. The letter of understanding with IAFF, Local No. 64, outlines several changes to attract and retain Paramedics:

A 9% pay differential for all Firefighter-Paramedics over the base pay for Firefighter-EMT, up from a 1% pay differential. The increase reflects the additional training required to obtain a Paramedic certification, and the tight labor market for Paramedics.
Hiring incentives for new hires with a Paramedic certification.
Incentive and pathway for new hires who lack a Paramedic certification to achieve certification.
Improved starting pay for qualified new hires with an active license as a Paramedic.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement,” said County Administrator Doug Bach. “Paramedics play a key role in providing life-saving care for our residents. With these changes, we can more competitively compensate our KCKFD paramedics.”

The Unified Government and IAFF Local 64 continue to work towards a comprehensive multi-year contract that will cover all members of the Local 64 bargaining unit.

Media Inquiries

Krystal R. McFeders

Public Information Officer

Unified Government of Wyandotte County & Kansas City, KS

kmcfeders@wycokck.org

913-573-5565