Firefighter in Brockton, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Brockton Stands

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re looking at Brockton for a firefighting career, the money is decent for the area, but you’re not going to get rich. The median salary for a firefighter in Brockton is $59,107/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $28.42/hour. When you compare that to the national average of $57,120/year, Brockton sits slightly above the norm. However, the cost of living here is significantly higher than the U.S. average (index of 111.6 vs. 100), so that slight edge doesn't stretch as far as you might think.

The job market is stable but not booming. There are roughly 209 firefighting jobs in the metro area, so competition exists but it's not cutthroat. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is about as steady as it gets—meaning you won’t see explosive growth, but you also won’t see the industry collapse.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the region. These are estimated figures based on the median and local pay scales.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (FF I)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00
Mid-Level (FF II)	$55,000 - $62,000	$26.44 - $29.81
Senior-Level (Captain)	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert (Battalion Chief)	$90,000+	$43.27+

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Brockton is a mid-tier option. Boston firefighters earn significantly more (often over $80k starting), but the cost of living and commute are brutal. In Springfield, salaries are closer to $55,000 but the cost of living is much lower. Worcester is comparable to Brockton in both pay and cost. Essentially, Brockton offers a solid, middle-of-the-road salary for a mid-sized city in a high-cost state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. Your gross annual salary as a mid-career firefighter in Brockton is $59,107. After federal, state, and local taxes (roughly 25-28% effective rate), your take-home pay is approximately $3,650 - $3,800 per month.

Now, factor in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Brockton costs $1,488/month. That’s about 40-43% of your take-home pay—a high but manageable ratio for a single income. A more conservative budget would aim for no more than 30% of income on housing ($1,100 - $1,150), which is challenging but possible if you find a roommate or a below-market unit.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Example for $59,107 Salary)

• Gross Monthly: $4,925
• Taxes & Deductions (est.): -$1,200
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,725
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,488
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$2,237

Can they afford to buy a home? It's a significant stretch on a single $59,107 salary. The median home price in Brockton is around $375,000. A 20% down payment is $75,000. Monthly mortgage payments (with taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,200, pushing housing costs to over 50% of your net income. This is not financially advisable without a dual-income household or substantial savings. For a firefighter, buying is a long-term goal, often achieved after promotion to a senior rank or with a partner's income.

Where the Jobs Are: Brockton's Major Employers

Brockton’s fire service is primarily municipal, but there are also opportunities in surrounding towns and private industrial settings. The Brockton Fire Department is the main employer. It’s a busy, full-service department covering 21 square miles for over 104,000 residents.

Here are the key employers to research:

1. Brockton Fire Department: The primary employer. They run a traditional, three-platoon system. Hiring is competitive and typically done through civil service exams. They have several stations (e.g., Station 1 on Main Street, Station 2 on Belmont Street). They often hire in cohorts of 5-10 recruits when openings occur.
2. West Bridgewater Fire Department: A neighboring town that often collaborates with Brockton. Smaller, community-focused department. Better chance for lateral transfers if you have experience.
3. Easton Fire Department: Another adjacent community with a solid reputation and competitive pay. They value mutual aid experience.
4. Rockland Fire Department: A nearby town that frequently hires. Their station layout and call volume are similar to Brockton’s, making for a smooth transition.
5. South Shore Regional Hospital System (Brockton Campus): While not a traditional fire department, they employ security/fire safety personnel. It’s a backup option if you want to stay in the safety field but with different hours.
6. Massachusetts Military Reservation (Cape Cod): A unique employer about an hour’s drive. They have their own fire protection team, often hiring veterans and those with advanced certifications. Pay can be higher, but the commute is significant.
7. Private Industrial Facilities: Companies like the Brockton Water Pollution Control Facility or larger warehouses in the area (e.g., along Route 24) sometimes hire in-house fire safety officers. These roles are less frequent but worth monitoring.

Hiring Trends: The trend is towards more stringent hiring criteria. Expect a rigorous CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), a written exam, and an intensive background check. Knowledge of NFPA 1001 standards is a must. Departments are also increasingly looking for candidates with EMT-B or Paramedic certifications, as medical calls make up 70-80% of their volume.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear, state-mandated path to becoming a firefighter. You cannot be hired without certification.

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Pass a background check (no felony convictions).

Step 2: Obtain Firefighter I & II Certification

• You must complete a state-approved Firefighter I & II Academy. These are often 120-150 hour courses, offered at several academies in the state (e.g., the MA Firefighting Academy in Stow, or various community colleges).
• Cost: Training can range from $2,500 to $5,000. Some academies offer financial aid or payment plans. Insider Tip: Some departments hire you as a recruit and send you through their academy, but you must have the certification to apply for most positions.
• Timeline: Full-time academies run for 3-6 months. Part-time/night academies can take 9-12 months.

Step 3: Get Licensed

• After completing the academy, you apply to the state for your Firefighter I & II License through the Massachusetts Fire Prevention and Control Board (MFPCB). There is an exam and a fee (approx. $250).
• EMT-B Certification: Strongly recommended. The course takes about 6 months and costs $1,200-$1,800. The state exam is administered by the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).

Total Estimated Cost & Time:

• Cost: $4,000 - $7,000 (if paying for your own training).
• Time to Get Started: 9-12 months from zero to licensed Firefighter II with EMT-B.

Insider Tip: Check the MFPCB website and the Massachusetts Civil Service System (for jobs in Brockton and many other cities). Brockton is a civil service city, meaning hiring is based on a ranked list from an exam, not just an interview.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live affects your commute, cost, and lifestyle. Brockton has a mix of urban blocks and quieter suburban pockets.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown/Central Brockton	Walkable, urban. Close to fire HQ and major stations. Can be noisy. Best for those who want a short commute and don't mind city life.	$1,200 - $1,500
Crescent Heights	Quiet, residential. Mostly single-family homes. 10-15 minute commute to most stations. Good for families or those wanting space.	$1,400 - $1,650 (for larger units)
Montello	Historic, tree-lined streets. Mix of apartments and houses. Central to everything, easy access to Route 24/123.	$1,300 - $1,550
South Brockton	More suburban, near the Easton line. Newer developments, quieter. 15-20 minute commute to downtown stations.	$1,450 - $1,700
West Side	Near the West Bridgewater border. Affordable, working-class area. Older housing stock but good value.	$1,100 - $1,350

Commute Insight: The Brockton Fire Department operates from 12 stations. Your assignment will dictate your commute. Living centrally (Montello, Downtown) gives you the most flexibility. If you want to minimize commute time above all else, target neighborhoods within 2-3 miles of the station you’re assigned.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Brockton is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-year outlook is stable, with gradual advancement based on seniority, testing, and performance.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Paramedic: This is the biggest career and salary booster. Brockton PD/FD has a paramedic program. As a paramedic, you can earn an additional $5,000 - $10,000 annually in premium pay and have drastically more opportunities for promotion and specialized units (e.g., rescue squad, hazmat).
• Fire Prevention Officer: Investigating fires, working on code enforcement. Requires additional training but offers a more regular daytime schedule.
• Driver/Engineer: The first promotion. You'll operate the fire apparatus. Requires significant experience and a clean driving record.
• Captain/Line Officer: Leads a company. Requires strong leadership skills and passing promotional exams.
• Battalion Chief: A command position overseeing multiple companies. Highly competitive.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth indicates slow but steady demand. The biggest factor will be retirements. The Massachusetts fire service has an older workforce, and Brockton is no exception. Expect a wave of retirements over the next decade, opening up positions from the entry-level up to the captain level. Specializing (especially as a paramedic) will be your best bet to stand out and advance faster.

Insider Tip: Network early. Attend community events, take a CPR class at the Brockton Public Library, and get to know firefighters on the job. The firefighting community in the South Shore is tight-knit. A good word from a current firefighter can make a difference in a competitive process.

The Verdict: Is Brockton Right for You?

Brockton offers a solid, realistic path to a firefighting career. It’s not the highest-paying market, but it’s a stable, respected department in a community that needs its services. The cost of living is a real challenge, especially for single-income households.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Competitive, stable salary for the region	High cost of living, especially housing
Clear, state-mandated career path	Competitive hiring (civil service exams)
Strong mutual aid network with nearby towns	10-year job growth is modest (4%)
Diverse call volume (urban, suburban, industrial)	Buying a home on a single salary is difficult
Opportunities for specialization (Paramedic)	Winters can be long and harsh

Final Recommendation:
Brockton is a good fit if you are:

• Starting your career and willing to rent for the first 5-7 years.
• Open to pursuing a specialty like paramedic to boost your income and advancement.
• Looking for a community-focused department with a diverse call volume.

It may not be right for you if:

• Your primary goal is to buy a home immediately on a single income.
• You are looking for rapid, explosive career growth.
• You prefer a slow-paced, rural environment.

Actionable Next Step: If you're serious, start by studying for the Firefighter I & II certification and the EMT-B. Simultaneously, monitor the Massachusetts Civil Service System website for Brockton's next exam announcement. This is a long game, but for the right person, Brockton can be a rewarding place to build a career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Brockton to get a job there?
A: No. Brockton hires from a civil service list that is open to all Massachusetts residents. However, you must live within a reasonable commuting distance. Once hired, you may have a period (e.g., 6 months) to establish residency in the city, but this rule can vary and is subject to change. Always check the current job posting.

Q: How competitive is the Brockton Fire Department hiring process?
A: Very competitive. As a civil service city, hiring is based on a ranked test score. You must score high on both the written and physical (CPAT) exams. The background investigation is extensive. Having your EMT-B or Paramedic license before applying gives you a significant advantage.

Q: What is the shift schedule like?
A: Most Brockton firefighters work a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule (K-1), which is common in the U.S. This means you work one 24-hour shift, then have two full days off. It's great for time off but requires adjusting to a non-traditional work life.

Q: Are there volunteer firefighter opportunities in the Brockton area?
A: Full-time firefighting in Brockton is a paid career. However, some surrounding towns (like West Bridgewater, Easton, and Rockland) have volunteer or on-call programs. This can be a great way to gain experience and network before applying to a full-time department.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for a new firefighter in Brockton?
A: The first year is a steep learning curve, both operationally and financially. The cost of living is the biggest external challenge. Building a budget that works on a starting salary is crucial. Having a financial plan before you move will reduce stress immensely.

Sources: Salary data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local government pay scales. Cost of living data from BestPlaces.net. Job statistics from BLS and state labor resources. All details are based on publicly available information as of 2024.