salary$73,990 a year$36 an hour · median pay in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$49,700per year
Top pay (top 10%)$118,540per year
Jobs in the area8,510people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Boston?
Expensive. Rent of $3,112 a month takes 50.5% of the median firefighter salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Firefighter pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Boston, MA?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area is $73,990 a year ($36 an hour). Most earn between $49,700 and $118,540.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Boston?
Typical rent of $3,112 a month takes 50.5% of the median firefighter salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area.