Firefighter Career Guide: Fall River, Massachusetts

Let's be straight with you: Fall River isn't the first city you think of for a firefighting career, but it's a solid, practical choice. I've lived in this area for years, and I know the ins and outs—from the tight-knit neighborhoods to the specific challenges on the job here. This guide is for the firefighter who’s serious about numbers, daily life, and long-term stability. We’re not selling a dream; we’re laying out the facts about working in a historic mill city on the South Coast.

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

First, let's talk money. Firefighting is a profession where experience and rank dictate your pay. In Fall River, the compensation is competitive for the region, but it's essential to understand the trajectory.

The median salary for a firefighter in Fall River is $57,274/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.54/hour. This is slightly above the national average for firefighters, which sits at $57,120/year. The local job market is tight, with only 187 total firefighter jobs in the metro area, indicating a stable, but not rapidly expanding, field. Over the last decade, the 10-year job growth for firefighters in the region has been 4%, which is typical for a mature municipal service.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in Fall River’s union contract (Local 1184):

Experience Level	Est. Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic fire suppression, EMT-Basic duties, equipment maintenance.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $64,000	Specialized operations (vehicle extrication), training officer roles, EMT-Paramedic if certified.
Senior (7-15 years)	$65,000 - $75,000+	Acting Lieutenant/ Captain, HazMat technician, leadership in training.
Expert/Officer (15+ years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, union leadership, major incident command.

How does this compare to other MA cities? It’s a mixed bag. Boston Fire starts higher (over $70k for rookies) but has a much higher cost of living. Worcester and Springfield are closer in pay, but Fall River’s union benefits are often more robust, particularly regarding healthcare and pension vesting. For a firefighter from a lower-cost-of-living state, Fall River offers a fair wage for the work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just that—until you factor in taxes and housing. Let’s run the numbers for a single firefighter earning the median salary of $57,274 in Fall River.

Monthly Take-Home Pay: After federal, state (MA has a 5% flat income tax), and FICA taxes, your net monthly pay is approximately $3,400.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,398	City average. Your specific neighborhood will vary (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Older housing stock can mean higher heating costs in winter.
Car Payment & Insurance	$300 - $500	Public transit is limited; a car is essential.
Food & Groceries	$300 - $400	Cooking at home is key.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$100 - $150	Great union benefits, but out-of-pocket costs add up.
Misc. (Phone, Savings, Discretionary)	$300 - $400	This is your buffer.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,598 - $3,098	Leaves a cushion of $300 - $800/month.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a challenge, but possible with discipline. The median home price in Fall River is around $370,000. With a $57,274 salary, a traditional 20% down payment ($74,000) is out of reach for most singles. However, many first-time homebuyer programs exist in Massachusetts. A common path for firefighters is to buy a multi-family home (2-3 units), live in one unit, and rent the others to offset the mortgage. Neighborhoods like the South End or Flint Village have more affordable multi-family properties. It’s a grind, but it’s how locals build equity.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

The vast majority of firefighter jobs are with the Fall River Fire Department (FRFD). However, there are other opportunities in the region, including municipal, industrial, and airport roles.

1. Fall River Fire Department (FRFD): The primary employer. The department runs 6 stations and is almost exclusively unionized (IAFF Local 1184). Hiring is typically through civil service exams every 1-3 years, depending on budget and retirements. They are heavily focused on EMT/Paramedic skills.
2. Fall River Municipal Airport (FMH): Has a small, on-call fire crew, often supplemented by full-time FRFD personnel. It’s a niche role but good for supplemental income.
3. Town of Westport Fire Department: Just over the line from Fall River. A volunteer/paid-on-call system with some full-time opportunities. Smaller, community-focused department.
4. Industrial Facilities: Companies like Bristol County Savings Bank (HQ in Taunton, a close commute) and manufacturing plants in the industrial parks often have their own fire brigades or contract with local EMS. Bristol Community College also has a safety officer position that can be a stepping stone.
5. Regional Medical Centers: While not firefighting roles, Charlton Memorial Hospital (part of Southcoast Health) is a major employer for paramedics and EMTs, offering a pathway to gain crucial medical experience before transferring to a fire department.
6. Nearby Municipalities: Fall River’s neighboring cities of Somerset, Swansea, and Freetown all have their own fire departments. These are smaller, often with faster hiring cycles, and are a solid option to get your foot in the door in the South Coast region.

Hiring Trends: The FRFD is actively recruiting to backfill retirements from the "silver tsunami" of the 80s and 90s. There's a strong push for paramedic-certified firefighters. If you have your Paramedic license, you are significantly more competitive.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear, state-regulated path for firefighters, overseen by the Massachusetts Fire Prevention and Control Code (527 CMR). You cannot work as a career firefighter without certification.

State Certification Requirements:

1. Basic Firefighter I/II: This is your foundational training (approx. 240 hours). You must attend a state-approved academy. In our area, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) in Stow is the gold standard. Local community colleges like Bristol Community College also offer excellent programs. Cost is typically $3,500 - $5,000 for the full course, which may be reimbursable if hired by a department.
2. EMT-Basic: Required by almost every department in the state. This is a 120-150 hour course. Local programs at places like Southeastern Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services (SMEMS) or Fall River EMS run regularly. Cost: $1,000 - $1,500.
3. Optional but Recommended: Paramedic Certification: This is a 12-18 month intensive program, often requiring a full-time EMT job for experience first. Cost: $8,000 - $12,000.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-6: Enroll in and complete EMT-Basic training.
• Months 7-18: Work as an EMT (on an ambulance, in a hospital) while simultaneously attending Firefighter I/II academy. This is the most common and efficient path.
• Months 18-24: Apply for jobs. The civil service exam is the first hurdle; it’s a written test followed by a physical agility test (PAT) called the CPAT.
• Ongoing: If you get hired, you’ll complete a probationary period (usually 6-12 months) with the department.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live matters. You’ll need a decent commute to your station (which could be anywhere in the city) and a safe, affordable neighborhood. Fall River is a city of distinct neighborhoods.

1. The North End: This is the "classic" Fall River neighborhood, with well-maintained single-family homes and a strong sense of community. It’s close to the I-195/I-95 interchange, making commutes to other towns easy. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,500. Insider Tip: The North End is where many long-time firefighters have bought homes.
2. Highland: A quiet, residential area with good schools and parks. It’s less dense than the North End and has a suburban feel while still being in the city. Commute is easy via Route 118. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400.
3. South End: This is a working-class, tight-knit neighborhood near the waterfront. Housing is more affordable, and it’s close to the downtown core and FRFD headquarters. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,250. Insider Tip: Look for owner-occupied duplexes here for rental income potential.
4. Flint Village: Similar to the South End, with a mix of residential and light commercial. It’s a bit more isolated, which can mean less traffic but also fewer amenities. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,150. Insider Tip: This is a great area for first-time homebuyers looking for a multi-family.
5. The Highlands (adjacent to the city in Somerset): Technically not Fall River, but a 5-minute drive to the downtown stations. Rent is higher ($1,500+ for a 1BR), but the housing stock is newer and schools are excellent. A popular choice for firefighters who work in Fall River but want to live in a quieter suburb.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Fall River is a marathon, not a sprint. Advancement is structured and based on seniority, testing, and specialization.

Specialty Premiums: Once certified, firefighters can earn stipends for specialties. The FRFD offers premiums for:

• Paramedic Certification: The largest premium, often $2,000 - $4,000 annually.
• Hazardous Materials Technician: Additional training for chemical incidents.
• Fire Inspector/Investigator: Involves taking courses through the state fire marshal’s office.
• Training Officer: For those who excel at teaching and developing new recruits.

Advancement Path:

1. Firefighter (Probationary) -> Firefighter (Full)
2. Firefighter -> Engineer/Driver (operates the apparatus, does not require officer rank)
3. Firefighter -> Lieutenant (company officer, usually after 8-10 years)
4. Lieutenant -> Captain (shift commander)
5. Captain -> Battalion Chief (oversees 3-4 fire companies)

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates a stable, but not booming, field. In Fall River, the outlook is positive due to retirements. The biggest changes will be in technology and medicine. Drones for scene assessment, advanced life support (ALS) protocols, and community risk reduction programs will become standard. Firefighters who are adaptable and embrace these changes will advance faster.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Fall River is a city of grit and history. For a firefighter, it offers a stable job with a strong union, a lower cost of living than Boston, and a genuine community feel. However, it comes with the challenges of a post-industrial city: aging infrastructure, some economic struggles, and a tight municipal budget.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Strong, Protective Union (IAFF Local 1184)	Lower starting salary than major metros (Boston, NYC)
Lower Cost of Living vs. Boston	Housing stock is old; maintenance can be costly
Tight-Knit, Community-Oriented Department	City budget constraints can limit new equipment purchases
Path to Homeownership is Realistic	Limited specialty units (e.g., no full-time HazMat team)
Clear Advancement Structure	10-year job growth is 4% (stable but not high)

Final Recommendation: Fall River is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values job stability, union protection, and community. It’s ideal for those willing to start with EMT-Basic, work their way up, and possibly buy a multi-family home to build equity. It’s not for someone seeking the highest possible starting salary or the fastest career trajectory. If you’re willing to grind for the first 5-7 years, Fall River can offer a sustainable, rewarding career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Fall River to get hired by FRFD?
A: No, there is no residency requirement. Many firefighters live in neighboring towns like Somerset, Swansea, or even Rhode Island (right over the line). However, living in the city does build community rapport and can shorten your commute.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process?
A: Very competitive. The civil service exam is the first filter. A high score is crucial. After that, the physical agility test (CPAT) weeds out many. Having EMT and/or Paramedic certification gives you a massive advantage. Expect hundreds of applicants for a handful of spots.

Q: What’s the schedule like?
A: FRFD typically runs a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule. Some positions may be on different shifts. This schedule allows for significant time off but requires adapting your lifestyle to the 24-hour shift work.

Q: Are there volunteer opportunities to gain experience?
A: Yes. Surrounding towns like Freetown and Westport have volunteer departments. This is a fantastic way to get hands-on experience, network with area firefighters, and see if the lifestyle is for you before investing in training.

Q: How does the pension work?
A: Massachusetts firefighters are part of the state retirement system. You vest after 10 years of service, and can retire with a full pension after 32 years (or 20 years if you started after age 55). The pension is calculated based on your average salary. It’s a defined benefit plan, which is a huge plus for long-term security.