Firefighter Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 12K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$72,800
$35.00/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+26.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $98K
12K employed in Massachusetts
The median Firefighter salary in Massachusetts is $72,800 per year, which equates to approximately $35 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the robust compensation for this essential public service role within the state. Massachusetts firefighters earn approximately 26.5% more than their counterparts across the country.
Several factors influence the specific Firefighter salary in Massachusetts. These include years of experience, the specific fire department or district an individual works for, and the cost of living in different regions of the state. Advanced training, certifications, and specialized roles can also lead to higher earning potential within the profession.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,730 |
| 25th percentile | $61,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,800 |
| 75th percentile | $80,070 |
| 90th percentile | $98,130 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,984 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,800 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $74,984 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,130 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Firefighter ($72,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in MA | $78,940 | +8.4% | $37.95/hr |
| Security Guard in MA | $44,670 | -38.6% | $21.48/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MA | $75,070 | +3.1% | $36.09/hr |
| Title Examiner in MA | $69,100 | -5.1% | $33.22/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in MA | $76,660 | +5.3% | $36.86/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MA | $76,710 | +5.4% | $36.88/hr |
| Paralegal in MA | $77,640 | +6.6% | $37.33/hr |
| Librarian in MA | $78,540 | +7.9% | $37.76/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in MA | $79,300 | +8.9% | $38.13/hr |
| Electrician in MA | $79,420 | +9.1% | $38.18/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MA | $79,660 | +9.4% | $38.30/hr |
| School Counselor in MA | $79,930 | +9.8% | $38.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Massachusetts?
- The median Firefighter salary in Massachusetts is $72,800 annually. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, while half earn less.
What is the salary range for Firefighters in Massachusetts?
- Firefighter salaries in Massachusetts typically fall between $49,730 and $98,130 per year. Entry-level positions are generally at the lower end, while experienced firefighters can reach the higher end of this range.
How does the Firefighter salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Massachusetts are considerably higher than the national average. On average, Massachusetts firefighters earn 26.5% more than firefighters in other parts of the country.
How many Firefighters are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 11,940 firefighters employed in Massachusetts. This number reflects the demand for fire services across the state's many communities.