Massachusetts Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
Last updated:
Massachusetts firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Massachusetts firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $75,340):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$56,000–$70,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$74,000–$94,000
Top-step Firefighter
$88,000–$110,000
With overtime (realistic)
$105,000–$145,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$96,000–$118,000
Captain
$112,000–$148,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Boston Fire Department
$72,000–$112,000
Iconic department with strong IAFF Local 718 contract. Top step approximately $106K. Significant OT.
Springfield Fire Department
$58,000–$88,000
Western Mass; large urban department, high call volume.
Worcester Fire Department
$62,000–$94,000
Central Mass; strong union contract, active department.
Cambridge Fire Department
$70,000–$108,000
Harvard/MIT city; above-average pay reflecting metro Boston cost of living.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Boston and other Massachusetts urban departments have very high OT. Boston firefighters regularly earn $130,000–$160,000+ total compensation. Strong union contracts and staffing challenges drive consistent OT across the state.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Massachusetts public pension systems vary by municipality. Boston and many larger cities have locally-administered systems. The state system (MSERS) covers some smaller communities. Massachusetts does not tax government pension income from Mass public systems — a meaningful take-home advantage.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Greater Boston has very high housing costs — among the highest in the continental U.S. Western Mass (Springfield, Worcester) is significantly more affordable but still above national average. Massachusetts state income tax is 5%.
MA Firefighter Career Outlook
Massachusetts is a top-tier firefighter compensation state. Strong unions, good pension benefits, and no tax on state pension income. Boston metro housing costs are the main challenge. One of the best states for career development and compensation overall.
How to Compare Two Massachusetts Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Massachusetts?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Massachusetts is $75,340. Career firefighters typically earn $74,000–$94,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $105,000–$145,000.
Do Massachusetts firefighters get a pension?
Massachusetts public pension systems vary by municipality. Boston and many larger cities have locally-administered systems. The state system (MSERS) covers some smaller communities. Massachusetts does not tax government pension income from Mass public systems — a meaningful take-home advantage.
Is Massachusetts a good state for a firefighter career?
Massachusetts is a top-tier firefighter compensation state. Strong unions, good pension benefits, and no tax on state pension income. Boston metro housing costs are the main challenge. One of the best states for career development and compensation overall.
