Firefighter in Manchester, NH

Alright, let's get you the real picture on firefighting in Manchester, NH. I’ve been analyzing this city’s job market for years, and I’ll tell you straight – it’s a mixed bag with some very specific nuances you won’t find on a generic job site. Manchester isn't a sprawling metropolis; it’s a tight-knit, post-industrial city with a distinct personality. The fire service here is a reflection of that: deeply rooted in community, with a mix of historic and modern challenges. If you're considering a move, you need the data, the local context, and the unfiltered truth about the budget and lifestyle. Let's break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Manchester Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The median salary for a firefighter in Manchester is $57,993/year, which works out to an hourly rate of $27.88/hour. This is incredibly close to the national average for the profession, which sits at $57,120/year. On the surface, that looks stable, but you have to understand that the cost of living here is a significant factor (more on that later).

The job market in the Manchester metro area is small and competitive. Data indicates there are only about 230 firefighting jobs in the entire metro, which encompasses surrounding towns like Bedford, Goffstown, and Hooksett. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but steady. This isn't a market with explosive growth; it's a stable, traditional field where openings often come from retirements.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages. These are generalized estimates based on common municipal pay scales in the region, but you should always verify with the specific department's union contract.

Career Stage	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$50,000 - $55,000	Basic firefighting, EMT-B skills, apparatus operation, station duties.
Mid-Career (Firefighter/EMT)	$60,000 - $70,000	Advanced firefighting techniques, paramedic certification often required, driver/operator.
Senior (Engineer/Lieutenant)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Apparatus operation, incident command, mentoring junior firefighters.
Expert (Captain/Chief Officer)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Strategic planning, administration, policy implementation, advanced incident command.

Insider Tip: Manchester Fire Department (MFD) operates on a 24-on/48-off schedule. While the base salary is competitive, the real earning potential often comes from overtime, which can be substantial but unpredictable. Don’t budget overtime into your baseline finances.

How does this compare to other NH cities?

• Portsmouth: Salaries are generally higher (~$65,000+ median), but the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly higher.
• Concord: Very similar to Manchester in both salary (~$58,000 median) and cost of living. It's a direct peer market.
• Nashua: Slightly higher median salary (~$60,000), but with a more competitive job market due to its proximity to the Massachusetts border.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. The median salary of $57,993 is a gross figure. After federal, state (NH has no income tax), and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home is approximately $3,700 - $3,800.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Manchester is $1,348/month. This is above the national average and a key concern for this budget. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter at the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (after taxes)	$3,750	Based on $57,993 annual gross.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,348	Can be higher in trendy areas, lower in outskirts.
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Water)	$150 - $200	NH winters are brutal; heating costs are a major factor.
Groceries	$350 - $400
Transportation	$250 - $350	Car payment, insurance, gas. Public transit (MATA) is limited.
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	Often a good deal through the union, but varies.
Misc. (Phone, Internet, etc.)	$150
Total Basics	$2,400 - $2,900
Leftover (Disposable Income)	$850 - $1,350	This is for savings, debt, entertainment, and emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's tight but possible with careful planning. As of late 2023, the median home price in Manchester was around $380,000. With a 5% down payment ($19,000), a mortgage on a $360,000 loan at 6.5% interest would be roughly $2,275/month (principal & interest), not including property taxes (which are high in NH) and insurance. This would push your housing costs well over $2,800/month, which is likely unsustainable on a single $57,993 salary. Insider Tip: Many firefighters here buy in more affordable neighboring towns like Hooksett or Goffstown, accepting a slightly longer commute for financial stability.

Where the Jobs Are: Manchester's Major Employers

The fire service in this region is almost exclusively municipal. Here are the primary employers:

1. Manchester Fire Department (MFD): The largest employer in the city. MFD covers 35 square miles and has a mix of older apparatus and some newer, state-of-the-art equipment. They are a full-service department, handling EMS calls as EMTs or Paramedics. Hiring is done through the city's Civil Service process, which is highly competitive and based on a written exam, physical ability test, and interview. Hiring Trend: They typically run a new recruit academy every 1-2 years, often to replace retirees. It's a long process (6-12 months from exam to hire).

2. Goffstown Fire Department: A busy suburban department bordering Manchester. They have a mix of career and call-firefighter staff. They often collaborate with MFD on major incidents. Hiring Trend: Smaller, more sporadic openings. Following their city's growth, they may see increased hiring in the next few years.

3. Bedford Fire Department: An affluent suburb with high-value properties and a focus on modern fire prevention. Their calls include significant medical responses. Hiring Trend: Very competitive due to higher pay and benefits. They may only have openings once every few years.

4. Derry Fire Department: A larger town to the south with a busy commercial corridor (Route 102). They have multiple stations and a robust training division. Hiring Trend: Similar to Bedford, openings are infrequent but sought after.

5. Regional EMS Services: For those with Paramedic certification, private services like Action EMS or Northeast Ambulance (serving parts of the metro) can be a stepping stone. They often have better hiring frequency and provide crucial experience that makes you a stronger candidate for municipal fire jobs.

6. Elliot Hospital: While not a fire department, Elliot Hospital (a major regional trauma center) employs EMTs and Paramedics in their emergency department and for inter-facility transport. This is a great way to build medical experience while waiting for a fire department opening.

Insider Tip: The "golden ticket" in this region is a dual certification: NH Firefighter I/II and NH Paramedic. Departments are desperate for Paramedics. If you arrive with both, your application jumps to the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire has specific requirements to be a career firefighter. The process is structured and can take time.

1. Education & Certifications: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum. However, most successful candidates have an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science or a related field. You must obtain NH Firefighter I/II certification, which is typically achieved through a state-academy or a program at a community college like NHTI (New Hampshire Technical Institute) in Concord. The program costs $5,000 - $10,000 in tuition and fees.
2. EMT-Basic Certification: This is a prerequisite for most fire departments in NH. You must complete an EMT-B course (approx. $1,000 - $2,000), pass the NREMT exam, and get state-licensed. Many departments will not consider you without it.
3. Paramedic Certification (Highly Recommended): This requires an additional 1-2 years of school and can cost $8,000 - $15,000. It's a significant investment but pays off in salary and job security.
4. Civil Service Exam: For Manchester and many other towns, you must pass the municipal civil service exam (often administered by the NH Department of Labor). The exam fee is typically $50 - $100.
5. Physical Ability Test (CPAT): This is a standardized, pass/fail test with tasks like stair climbing, hose drag, and equipment carry. It's rigorous and requires dedicated training. Many candidates use local gyms like the YMCA of Greater Manchester or specialized training centers to prepare.

Timeline: From starting EMT-B to being hired can take 1.5 to 3 years, depending on your path.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live depends on your budget, commute, and lifestyle. The city has distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute to MFD HQ	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider Insight
West Side	Historic, walkable, near Derryfield Park. 10-15 min drive to HQ.	$1,400 - $1,600	Popular with young professionals. Great restaurants (like the Black Forest Cafe), but parking can be a nightmare.
North End	Residential, family-oriented, more affordable. 15-20 min drive.	$1,200 - $1,450	Close to the airport and I-93. Quieter, but some parts are still revitalizing. Easy commute.
Downtown	Urban, bustling, close to nightlife and the Palace Theatre. 5-10 min drive.	$1,500 - $1,800	Ideal for those who want a city feel. Consider parking costs and building security for your 24-hour shift schedule.
Hooksett (Town)	Suburban/rural, larger yards, quieter. 15-25 min drive.	$1,250 - $1,400	Not in Manchester proper, but a popular choice for firefighters seeking affordable homeownership. Strong community feel.
Bedford (Town)	Upscale, very safe, great schools. 20-30 min commute.	$1,600 - $2,000+	More isolated, fewer rental options. Generally considered a longer-term living situation for established firefighters.

Insider Tip: If you're single and on a budget, the North End offers the best value. If you're looking for a roommate situation to save money, the West Side has many multi-family homes that are popular with first responders.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career advancement in NH is structured and predictable, but you must be proactive.

• Specialty Premiums: Many departments offer small pay bumps ($0.50 - $2.00/hour) for special certifications. The most common is for HazMat Technician or Dive Team. The Manchester Fire Department has a robust Technical Rescue Team (TRT) and Dive Team. Getting on these teams requires additional training and commitment but is a great way to advance your skills and pay.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter → Engineer/Driver → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires passing an internal promotional exam and having a specific number of years in service. The time between ranks can be 3-7 years.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is modest, but stability is high. The biggest driver for change will be the dual demands of increasing medical calls (requiring more Paramedics) and the need for specialized training in areas like large-scale hazmat incidents (given the industrial history) and technical rescues. Your long-term value lies in becoming a specialist.

The Verdict: Is Manchester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Unionized Employment with good benefits and pension.	High Cost of Living relative to salary, especially housing.
Strong Sense of Community and camaraderie within the fire service.	Modest Job Market with limited openings; you must be patient and persistent.
Diverse Call Volume from medical emergencies to structure fires.	Harsh Winters can be physically demanding and increase on-duty risk.
Central Location in Southern NH, easy access to Boston, mountains, and coast.	NH's Tax Structure: No income tax, but very high property taxes, which affects homeowners.
Clear Career Ladder with opportunities for specialization.	Aging Infrastructure in parts of the city requires adaptable firefighting tactics.

Final Recommendation: Manchester is an excellent choice for a firefighter who is patient, financially disciplined, and values community. If you are willing to live modestly, perhaps with a roommate or in a neighboring town, and you invest in becoming a Paramedic, you can build a solid, stable career. It's not the place for someone looking to get rich quickly or live a high-roller lifestyle. The real reward here is a meaningful job in a city that, despite its challenges, has a resilient heart.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a Manchester resident to apply for the MFD?
No. The Manchester Fire Department does not have a residency requirement for applicants. You can live anywhere in the region, though living in the city itself is not required.

2. How competitive is the MFD civil service exam?
Very. With only 230 jobs in the metro and a 4% growth rate, each opening attracts hundreds of applicants. You need a high score on the written exam and a perfect or near-perfect pass on the CPAT to be considered.

3. What is the typical shift schedule?
Most departments in NH, including Manchester, use a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule. This means you work one full day (and night) and then have two full days off. It's a unique schedule that many firefighters love, but it requires adjusting your personal life.

4. Is a college degree necessary?
It's not legally required, but it is strongly preferred. Many candidates have an Associate's Degree in Fire Science or Paramedicine. It makes you more competitive and can lead to higher pay or faster promotion in some departments.

5. How do I prepare for the NH weather?
Invest in high-quality, thermal base layers and waterproof boots. Learn how to manage your gear in freezing temperatures (e.g., keeping your turnout gear dry, managing ice on apparatus). The local fire supply stores, like R.P. Fricker & Sons in Hooksett, are great resources.

Data Sources: Salary and job growth data are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Manchester-Nashua, NH Metropolitan Area. Cost of living and rent data are from U.S. Census Bureau and local real estate market analyses. Licensing information is sourced from the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Fire Standards & Training & Emergency Medical Services.