Firefighter in Lawrence, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

As a local, I can tell you that firefighting in Lawrence isn't just a job; it's a commitment to a tough, tight-knit community. The pay reflects that commitment but is tempered by the city's economic realities. Let's break down the numbers.

The median salary for a Firefighter in Lawrence is $59,107/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.42/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, which is common for many public service roles in Massachusetts. However, the job market is specific. There are only 176 Firefighter jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is just 4%. This isn't a field with explosive growth; it's stable, competitive, and often relies on retirements to open new slots.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (FF I/II)	$52,000 - $62,000	Suppression, basic EMS, equipment maintenance.
Mid-Level (Senior FF)	$65,000 - $75,000	Acting company officer, advanced rescue certs, mentorship.
Senior (Lieutenant)	$78,000 - $90,000+	Company officer, incident management, specialized training.
Expert (Captain/Chief)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Battalion command, administration, policy, strategy.

Note: These are estimates based on local collective bargaining agreements and BLS data; actual pay depends on the specific department (city vs. district) and overtime.

How does this compare to other MA cities? It's a mixed bag. Lawrence pays better than many smaller, rural towns in Essex County but less than major metros like Boston or Worcester. The cost of living also plays a huge role. For example, a firefighter in Worcester (Median: ~$62,000) might have a higher salary but also higher housing costs than in Lawrence. The key is the $59,107 median here provides a solid, middle-class footing in Lawrence if managed wisely.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be direct. A firefighter earning $59,107 isn't getting rich, but they can live comfortably in Lawrence with smart budgeting. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single firefighter with no dependents:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,925
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,200 (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro for your specific situation)
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,725/month

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lawrence costs $1,483/month. This is your biggest variable.

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Housing (1BR): $1,483
• Utilities (Heat, Electric, Internet): $250
• Car Payment & Insurance: $400 (A paid-off car is a huge advantage here)
• Groceries: $400
• Fuel: $150
• Health/Disability Insurance (if not fully covered): $200
• Misc. & Savings: $842

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible. The median home price in Lawrence is around $450,000. With a $59,107 salary and a 20% down payment ($90,000), you're looking at a mortgage of $360,000. At current interest rates, your monthly mortgage payment (PITI) would be roughly $2,500-$2,700. That's significantly higher than rent and would consume over 65% of your take-home pay, which is not advisable. Insider Tip: Many firefighters in Lawrence rent for the first 5-10 years, build savings, and only buy when they've reached a mid-to-senior level salary or are in a dual-income household. Living in a more affordable neighborhood (see below) is key.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

Firefighting in Lawrence is almost exclusively public sector. You won't find many private fire protection companies hiring line firefighters. Your primary employers are:

1. Lawrence Fire Department (LFD): The largest employer. They run a standard hiring process every few years, often tied to retirements. It's a traditional municipal department with a strong union (IAFF Local 116).
2. Methuen Fire Department: A neighboring city with a busy industrial and residential district. They often hire in tandem with Lawrence, creating a competitive regional pool.
3. Andover Fire Department: A larger, well-funded suburban department covering the wealthy town of Andover. They have excellent equipment and training but are highly selective.
4. Massachusetts Fire Academy (MFA) - Stow: While not a direct employer, the MFA is the mandatory training ground for all new firefighters in the state. Getting your certification here is your ticket to apply anywhere.
5. Industrial Fire Brigades (Regional): Companies like Phillips 66 (in neighboring Andover) or Boston Scientific (in Marlborough) have internal emergency response teams. These are niche roles, often requiring prior firefighting experience.
6. Lawrence General Hospital: While not a traditional fire department, they have a safety and security team that sometimes includes EMT/paramedic roles. It's a way to get your foot in the door with medical response.

Hiring Trend: Expect hiring cycles to be slow and competitive. Most departments are not on a hiring spree. Networking at local firefighter events and staying in top physical condition is crucial. The 4% growth rate means you need to be patient and persistent.

Getting Licensed in MA

Becoming a firefighter in Massachusetts is a structured, multi-step process. It's not quick, but it's clear.

1. Prerequisites (Before You Apply):

• Age: Must be 18 at time of appointment.
• Education: High school diploma or GED. A college degree (especially in fire science or EMS) is a plus.
• Certifications: You must be a Nationally Registered EMT (NREMT). This is non-negotiable in MA. You'll also need a valid driver's license.
• Cost: EMT-B course: $1,000 - $2,000. NREMT exam: $100.

2. The Application & Testing Process:

• Written Exam: A multiple-choice test covering reading comprehension, math, and mechanical reasoning. Often administered by a third-party company like IO Solutions.
• CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): A standardized fitness test with stations like stair climb, hose drag, and vehicle rescue. It's intense. Practice is mandatory.
• Oral Interview: A panel interview assessing your character, decision-making, and knowledge.
• Background Check & Medical Exam: Extensive and thorough.

3. The Academy:

• Once hired, you attend the Massachusetts Fire Academy (MFA) in Stow. This is a 10-12 week, live-in program. You are paid during this time (typically at a recruit's salary).
• Cost to you: $0. Your municipality covers the tuition, room, and board.

Timeline: From starting your EMT course to being appointed, expect 12 to 24 months. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Lawrence directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the neighborhoods firefighters typically consider:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit
Tower Hill	Residential, family-oriented, close to LFD HQ. Easy commute to most city stations.	$1,300 - $1,550	Most popular with LFD personnel. Close-knit community feel.
The Flats	Historic, diverse, walkable. Close to downtown and the law offices.	$1,200 - $1,450	Good for those who want a more urban vibe and don't mind street parking.
South Lawrence	Working-class, more affordable, near the Methuen line.	$1,100 - $1,350	Best value for rent. Slightly longer commute to central stations.
East Lawrence	Near the river, some new developments, more suburban feel.	$1,400 - $1,700	Quieter, good for those who want a bit more space.
Andover (Border)	Suburban, excellent schools, higher cost of living.	$1,800 - $2,200+	For those who prioritize schools and don't mind a longer commute.

Insider Tip: If you're applying to multiple departments (Lawrence, Methuen, Andover), living near the I-93/I-495 interchange (like in South Lawrence) gives you the best access to all of them.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Lawrence is linear but offers specialization. Your base salary grows with time, but you can boost it significantly with premiums and promotions.

• Specialty Premiums: Many departments offer additional pay for holding critical certifications:
  • Paramedic: Can add $5,000 - $10,000+ annually.
  • Technical Rescue (TRT): Hazmat, confined space, collapse. Adds $2,000 - $4,000.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: An officer track role. Adds $3,000 - $6,000.
• Advancement Path: FF I/II → Senior FF → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires passing a civil service exam and/or promotion board. It's competitive and based on seniority, test scores, and merit.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 4% job growth, don't expect a boom. The outlook is for steady, stable employment. The biggest changes will be in technology (drones, new suppression agents) and the increasing demand for EMS integration. Firefighters who are also paramedics will be most valuable. A pension after 20-25 years of service is the major long-term benefit, not rapid salary increase.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, unionized job with excellent benefits and pension.	Extremely competitive hiring due to low turnover and small job count (176).
Sense of community in a dense, historic city. You'll make a real impact.	Cost of living (111.6) is 11.6% above the US average. Budgeting is critical.
Central location to Boston, NH, and the coast. Great for travel.	Lower starting salary compared to some neighboring suburbs (e.g., Andover).
Diverse call types from residential fires to industrial incidents.	Housing pressure makes buying a home difficult on a single income early on.
Strong camaraderie within the fire service in this region.	Patience required for hiring cycles; could be a 2-year journey.

Final Recommendation: Lawrence is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values community, stability, and a challenging, rewarding career. It's not the path to quick wealth, but it's a solid, middle-class life with immense personal satisfaction. It's ideal for someone who is patient, physically fit, and committed to public service. If you're looking for rapid salary growth or low cost of living, look elsewhere. If you want to earn your stripes in a city that needs you, Lawrence is a compelling option.

FAQs

1. Is it harder to get a job with Lawrence FD than in a smaller town?
Yes, absolutely. Lawrence is a major entry point with a large applicant pool. However, smaller towns often have even fewer openings. The key is to apply to all departments in the region (Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, Haverhill, North Andover) to maximize your chances.

2. Do I need to live in Lawrence to get hired there?
No. Most departments, including Lawrence FD, do not require residency at the time of application. However, having a local mailing address can be a slight advantage, and many firefighters end up living nearby or in the city after being hired.

3. How much overtime is available?
Overtime is available but not guaranteed. It's often tied to low staffing due to sickness, training, or special events. It can significantly boost your income, but it can also lead to burnout. Don't count on it for your base budget.

4. What's the best way to prepare for the CPAT?
Start training now. Find a local gym with a stair climber and practice weighted carries. Many fire departments, including LFD, host "CPAT prep" days. Consider hiring a personal trainer who specializes in firefighter fitness. It's a pass/fail test with a tight time limit—prepare accordingly.

5. Can I work as a firefighter with a past minor offense?
It depends on the nature and severity of the offense. Traffic violations are usually not an issue. However, felonies, violent misdemeanors, or any history of substance abuse will likely disqualify you. Each department's background check is rigorous. Be honest on your application; integrity is paramount in this field.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Massachusetts Fire Academy, Lawrence Fire Department (publicly available collective bargaining agreements), and local real estate market data.