Firefighter in Minneapolis, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Minneapolis Stands

Working as a firefighter in Minneapolis is a solid middle-class career, but it’s not a path to rapid wealth. The city pays competitively for the region, but you should understand the full spectrum of earnings. The median salary for a Minneapolis firefighter is $57,891 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.83. This figure sits just above the national average of $57,120, which is a meaningful but not dramatic premium for a major metro area.

It’s crucial to look beyond the median, though. Fire department pay in Minneapolis is highly structured and tied to rank, years of service, and special certifications. Here’s how the salary ladder typically looks within the Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) and surrounding suburbs.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Minneapolis)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	First two years. Includes base pay and some benefits. Often starts lower, with raises built into the contract.
Mid-Level (Firefighter/Engineer)	$60,000 - $75,000	After 5+ years. Includes standard pay, plus possible overtime and shift differentials.
Senior (Lieutenant/Captain)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Promotional ranks. Significant pay jump, but more administrative and training responsibility.
Expert (Battalion Chief/Specialist)	$100,000 - $130,000+	Top-tier. Includes command staff, hazmat, or other specialty chiefs.

Insider Tip: The $57,891 median is heavily influenced by the large number of mid-career firefighters. New recruits start lower, but the city contract (negotiated with Local 82) provides predictable step increases. Overtime is a major factor—during summer events or major incidents, weekly pay can spike noticeably.

How does Minneapolis compare to other Minnesota cities?

• St. Paul: Very similar. The St. Paul Fire Department pays on a nearly identical scale. The median is often within a few hundred dollars of Minneapolis.
• Duluth: Lower. The median here is closer to $52,000. The trade-off is a much lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace.
• Rochester (Mayo Clinic hub): Slightly higher than Duluth but generally below Minneapolis. There’s less overtime opportunity.
• Suburban Metro (e.g., Edina, Maple Grove): Often higher than Minneapolis. These wealthier communities have a larger property tax base which can fund higher salaries, sometimes reaching a median of $62,000-$65,000. However, competition for these jobs is fierce.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. A median salary of $57,891 translates to roughly $4,824 per month before taxes. After federal, state (Minnesota has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, a single filer with no dependents might take home around $3,400 - $3,600 monthly.

Now, consider housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Minneapolis is $1,327/month. This is a key pressure point. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,824
Estimated Taxes (25-28%)	~$1,200	Varies by deductions. MN has a state tax.
Net Take-Home	~$3,600
Rent (1-Bedroom)	$1,327	Citywide average. Newer builds in North Loop are higher.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Older buildings can be less efficient.
Car Payment/Gas/Insurance	$350	Assumes a modest car. Minneapolis is drivable, but winters require good tires.
Groceries & Food	$400
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150	Many city jobs have good coverage, but not always 100%.
Retirement Savings (401k/457b)	$250	Critical. The MFD has a pension, but supplemental savings are wise.
Miscellaneous	$300	Gear, gear maintenance, entertainment, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$673

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the tight spot. The median home price in Minneapolis is around $350,000. With a $57,891 salary, a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be a stretch. Lenders typically recommend a housing payment (PITI) below 30% of your gross income. For our firefighter, that’s about $1,446 per month. A $350,000 home with a 10% down payment would have a monthly payment well over $2,500.

Verdict: On the median salary, buying alone in desirable areas is challenging. It becomes more feasible with:

1. Dual income (a partner working).
2. Time. After 10+ years, with promotions and seniority, your pay can exceed $80,000.
3. Looking outside core neighborhoods to areas like Longfellow or parts of Northeast.

Where the Jobs Are: Minneapolis's Major Employers

The job market for firefighters in the Twin Cities is stable but competitive. The core employer is the Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD), which runs 850 jobs in the metro area. Here’s a breakdown of where to find opportunities:

1. Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD): The largest employer. Covers the entire city. Hiring trends: The city has been running regular testing cycles, but classes aren’t huge. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%, which aligns with national trends. Focus on the City of Minneapolis careers page for official postings.
2. St. Paul Fire Department: A direct competitor. Similar size, pay, and benefits. Commuting between the two cities is common (about 20-30 minutes). They often hire in sync with Minneapolis, so it’s wise to apply to both.
3. Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (Fire Marshal/Investigation): Not frontline firefighting, but a lucrative adjacent career. Requires fire science background. Good for those interested in investigation or prevention.
4. Suburban Departments: These are smaller but often pay more. Key departments to watch:
   • Edina Fire Department: High per-capita income means a strong budget.
   • Maple Grove Fire Department: Growing suburban area with new stations.
   • St. Louis Park Fire Department: Well-regarded, centrally located.
   • South Lake Minnetonka Fire Rescue: Serves a wealthy lake community.
5. University of Minnesota: Has its own fire protection district (U of M Fire Protection). A unique position with academic benefits.
6. Federal Agencies: Fort Snelling (part of the Twin Cities Arsenal) and the VA Medical Center in South Minneapolis have their own fire protection services, which are federal jobs with different benefits.

Insider Tip: "The List." Once you’re certified, your name goes on a hiring list. Departments often hire in batches. If you’re on the list for Minneapolis and St. Paul, you can have two shots at a job in one hiring cycle. Networking is key—attend open houses at stations, and connect with current firefighters.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has clear, non-negotiable licensing requirements through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE). You must be certified before you can be hired.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Basic Certification (MNFIRE): You must complete MN Firefighter I & II certification. This involves a 160+ hour course (often called "Firefighter 1") covering basic skills (hose, ladders, ventilation).
2. EMT-Basic Certification: This is mandatory. Minneapolis and most metro departments require you to be a licensed EMT-B. You must complete an EMT-B course (typically 200+ hours) and pass the NREMT exam and Minnesota state practical exam.
3. MN Driver's License: You need a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license.
4. Pass the CPAT: The Candidate Physical Ability Test is a standardized national test. It must be passed within 6-12 months of applying. It’s a grueling 10-station obstacle course (stairs, drag, climb, etc.). Train for this before you apply.

Costs & Timeline:

• Courses: EMT and Firefighter I/II courses can cost $2,000 - $5,000 total. Community colleges like Saint Paul College or Inver Hills Community College offer affordable, accredited programs.
• Timeline: From zero to certified, it typically takes 9-18 months if you’re attending full-time or efficiently. Many candidates work part-time while completing certifications.
• State Board: You apply to the MBFTE for certification after passing your courses and exams. There’s an application fee (around $150-$200).

Pro Tip: Some departments offer "lateral" hiring for out-of-state firefighters. Minnesota requires you to complete the MN Firefighter I & II certification, even if you were a firefighter elsewhere, unless you hold an IFSTA/IAC certification and pass a challenge exam. This is not guaranteed. It’s almost always faster to get certified here first.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Minneapolis is about balance—commute cost vs. lifestyle. As a firefighter, you’ll likely work 24-hour shifts, so you might live further out and only commute a few times a week.

1. Longfellow (South Minneapolis): A classic choice. Tree-lined streets, single-family homes, and a strong community vibe. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most downtown stations. Rent: A 1BR apartment is about $1,200 - $1,400. Buying a starter home is more possible here than in the North Loop.
2. Northeast Minneapolis (Logan Park, Holland): Artsy, with great bars and restaurants. More affordable than Longfellow. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Rent: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR. A popular spot for young professionals.
3. Kingfield (South Minneapolis): Quiet, residential, with excellent local restaurants (like The Bad Waitress). Commute: 15 minutes to downtown. Rent: Similar to Longfellow, $1,200 - $1,400.
4. Columbia Heights (North Suburb): If you're looking for more space and a quieter, family-friendly feel. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown stations, but you could also apply to Columbia Heights FD. Rent: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR. More single-family home options.
5. Downtown/ North Loop: The urban core. High-rise living, walkable to everything, but expensive. Rent: $1,600 - $2,000+ for a 1BR. A 24-hour shift schedule makes this less practical—better for a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: Live near a major highway (I-94, I-35W, I-394) for a faster commute. Also, consider your social life. If you want to meet other firefighters, living near the city core helps. If you have a family, the suburbs offer more space and top-rated schools (like in Edina or Wayzata).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% is a conservative estimate. Most growth will be from retirements, not new stations. Your career path is less about new jobs and more about vertical advancement.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Specialties: MFD offers incentive pay for specialties. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) certification can add $1,200 - $2,000/year. Technical Rescue (rope, confined space, water) adds a similar premium. Fire Inspector/Investigator is a non-operational, day-shift role that pays well and is less physically taxing.
• Promotional Ladder: The path is clear: Firefighter → Engineer (drives/operates apparatus) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain (station commander) → Battalion Chief (shift commander). Each promotion comes with a significant pay jump and more administrative duty.
• Training Officer: A coveted position. You get to teach and shape new recruits.

10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain steady. The key is specializing early. An EMT-B is the minimum; becoming a Paramedic is a massive career booster. A Minneapolis paramedic can earn $70,000+ starting, with more overtime opportunities. Suburban departments are desperate for paramedics. Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fire Science or Public Administration (check out Minnesota State University, Mankato programs) will make you stand out for promotion to captain or chief.

The Verdict: Is Minneapolis Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Unionized Career with a pension in a major metro.	Cost of Living is above the U.S. average (Index: 104.5). Rent is a significant portion of a $57,891 salary.
Competitive Pay relative to national average and other MN cities.	High Competition for jobs. You must be top-tier in physical fitness and certification.
Diverse Call Volume: From downtown high-rises to residential fires, you'll see it all.	Harsh Winters: Can be physically and mentally draining. Driving in snowstorms is part of the job.
Strong Brotherhood: The fire service culture is tight-knit, especially in the metro.	Political Environment: City politics can impact budgets and morale, as seen in recent years.
Vibrant City Life: World-class food, sports, and culture on your days off.	Home Ownership is a Long-Term Goal on a single median income.

Final Recommendation: Minneapolis is an excellent choice for firefighters who are financially disciplined and career-driven. If you’re willing to start with roommates or a modest apartment, specialize early (get your paramedic license), and embrace the 24-hour shift life, you can build a respected, stable career. It’s not for someone looking to buy a house immediately on a single income, but it’s a fantastic place to lay a foundation. If the urban density feels overwhelming, look at the high-paying suburbs. If you crave a lower cost of living, Duluth or Rochester are alternatives, but with less earning potential.

FAQs

Q: I'm a firefighter from another state. Can I get hired quickly in Minneapolis?
A: It depends. If you have IFSTA/IAC certification, you may challenge the MN Firefighter I/II exam. However, you must have MN EMT-B certification. Most departments prefer local candidates who are already certified. It’s often faster to get certified in MN first.

Q: Is overtime guaranteed?
A: No. Overtime is based on need—vacations, sick calls, and major incidents. It can be plentiful (especially during summer) or sparse. Don't base your budget on it.

Q: How hard is the CPAT?
A: It's challenging. The 10-station, 10-minute course requires real fitness. Insider Tip: Join a local gym that offers CPAT-specific training (like Fire & Iron in St. Paul) and train for at least 8-12 weeks.

Q: What's the housing market like for firefighters?
A: Tough for a single person on the median salary. Most new firefighters rent for the first few years. Buying becomes realistic with 5-10 years of seniority, a promotion, or a dual income. Look into first-time homebuyer programs from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

Q: Do I need a college degree?
A: No, not to get hired. EMT-B and Firefighter I/II are the core requirements. However, a Bachelor's degree is highly recommended for promotion to Captain and above. Saint Paul College and Saint Cloud State University offer relevant fire science programs.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE), City of Minneapolis Payroll Data, Zillow Rental Market Data, Trulia, and local department employment agreements.