Firefighter in New Bedford, MA

The Salary Picture: Where New Bedford Stands

As a local, I can tell you that firefighting in New Bedford isn't about chasing Wall Street money; it's about a stable, respected public service career with a predictable paycheck. The data confirms this. The median salary for firefighters here is $57,274/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.54/hour. This is remarkably close to the national average of $57,120/year, which is unusual for a coastal New England city. It suggests New Bedford pays competitively for the profession, likely anchored by a strong union presence and a city budget that prioritizes first responders.

However, context is king. While the salary sits near the national average, the local cost of living is slightly above that benchmark. This creates a tight, workable budget for a single person or a two-income household, but it requires careful planning. The job market is stable but limited; there are only 201 firefighting jobs in the wider metro area, and the 10-year job growth is a modest 4%. This isn't a place for rapid advancement jumping between departments, but it offers security for those who get in.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a breakdown of what salary progression typically looks like, based on common union contracts in South Coast Massachusetts.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Career Stage	Estimated Years of Service	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-5	$50,000 - $60,000	Basic firefighting/EMS calls, equipment maintenance, drill participation.
Mid-Level	5-10	$60,000 - $75,000	Acting engineer/company officer on some calls, mentoring probies, advanced certifications.
Senior	10-15	$75,000 - $90,000+	Formal officer (Lieutenant), specialized team leadership (HazMat, Rescue), shift supervisor.
Expert/Command	15+	$90,000 - $110,000+	Captain, Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, or specialized bureau chief roles.

Note: Ranges are estimates based on regional union contracts and BLS data. Top-end salaries often include overtime, special duty pay, and longevity bonuses.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

New Bedford holds a unique position. It's more affordable than Boston or the immediate suburbs, but the salary reflects that. Here’s how it stacks up.

City	Median Salary (Firefighter)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Difference
New Bedford	$57,274	100.9	Balanced cost-to-salary; high demand for skilled trades.
Boston Metro	$68,000+	~160	Higher pay is offset by extreme housing costs.
Worcester	$62,000	~110	Slightly higher salary, slightly higher COL.
Providence, RI	$58,500	~105	Similar market, different state benefits/taxes.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. New Bedford Fire Department (NBFD) offers a strong pension plan (often 2.5% per year of service at final average salary) and excellent healthcare, which are significant parts of total compensation. The lower base pay is partially offset by these benefits.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a $57,274 salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Massachusetts state tax (5%), and FICA is roughly $44,000 - $45,000 annually, or about $3,650 - $3,750 per month. This is a ballpark figure; your exact take-home depends on your withholdings and benefits deductions.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in New Bedford is $1,205/month. This is a critical number. It means housing will consume about 32-33% of your monthly take-home pay, which is at the upper limit of what's considered affordable (30% rule).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Firefighter)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$4,773	$57,274 / 12 months
Take-Home Pay	$3,700	After taxes, MA state tax, FICA, and benefits.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,205	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Coastal climate can mean higher heating costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	NB is car-dependent; insurance rates are high in MA.
Groceries & Household	$400
Discretionary/Personal	$500	Savings, dining out, entertainment.
Remaining Buffer	$945	For savings, emergency fund, or future home down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with significant caveats. The median home price in New Bedford is around $400,000. On a $57,274 salary, a lender would typically approve a mortgage of about $200,000-$225,000. This means a single firefighter would need a substantial down payment (likely $80,000+), a second income, or to target lower-priced homes (e.g., condos or multi-families in North End or South End). It's challenging but not impossible, especially with a partner's income. Many local firefighters buy homes in their 30s or 40s after building savings and equity.

Where the Jobs Are: New Bedford's Major Employers

The firefighting job market here is dominated by one major public employer, with a few surrounding options. Hiring is often cyclical, based on retirements and city budget approvals. It's competitive, so having your certifications in order before applying is key.

1. New Bedford Fire Department (NBFD): This is the primary employer. They run on a 3-platoon system (A, B, C shifts). They value candidates with EMT/Paramedic certifications and any prior trade experience (welding, construction, etc.). They typically open for civil service exams every 2-3 years. Insider Tip: The department is known for its active union (IAFF Local 1016), which is crucial for salary negotiations and job security.
2. Fall River Fire Department: A 20-minute drive north. Similar pay scale and pension system. Often hires in tandem with New Bedford. A good option to apply to both simultaneously.
3. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (State Fire Marshal's Office): A niche employer. They hire for fire investigation, code inspection, and training roles. Requires significant experience and advanced certifications. Less shift work, more 9-5 office hours.
4. Bristol County Fire Academy: While not a direct firefighting line job, they hire instructors. This is a post-retirement career path for seasoned firefighters with teaching credentials.
5. Dartmouth Fire Districts: Surrounding towns (Dartmouth, Westport) have their own call/volunteer or combination departments. They sometimes hire full-time positions, though they are smaller and less frequent than NBFD.
6. Local Hospitals (St. Luke's, Southcoast Health): While not fire departments, they have robust security and emergency management teams. Firefighters with EMS backgrounds can sometimes find roles here if line firefighting isn't immediately available.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward requiring EMT or Paramedic certification as a prerequisite. The city's aging infrastructure and focus on maritime industries (shipyards, chemical facilities) also mean a growing need for specialized HazMat and rescue training.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear, state-regulated path to becoming a firefighter. You must be certified by the state's Fire Training Board.

1. Basic Requirements: You must be 18+, a U.S. citizen or authorized to work, possess a valid driver's license, and have a high school diploma or GED. A background check is mandatory.
2. Firefighter I & II Certification (Mandatory): This is the core training. You must complete a state-approved academy, which is typically a 16-20 week program. The cost is often covered if you are hired by a department (they send you through their academy), but if you self-sponsor, expect to pay $5,000 - $10,000 for tuition, gear, and fees.
3. EMT-Basic Certification (Highly Recommended): Over 70% of fire calls in New Bedford are medical. Most departments require EMT-B as a minimum. A course costs $1,200 - $1,500 and takes 4-6 months. Paramedic certification (12-18 months, $10,000+) dramatically increases your hire-ability and can come with a pay premium.
4. Civil Service Exam: New Bedford is a civil service community. You must take and pass the state civil service exam (offered every 2-3 years). Your score on this exam, combined with veteran's preference, determines your placement on the hiring list.
5. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): This is the standard physical fitness test. It’s a pass/fail, timed obstacle course. You must train for it independently. Local gyms often have "CPAT prep" classes.

Timeline: If starting from scratch (no certifications), expect 1-2 years to get your EMT and Firefighter I/II certifications, pass the civil service exam, and be placed on a hiring list. The process is slow and requires patience.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in New Bedford offers a mix of urban grit and coastal charm. Your schedule (24-hours on, 48 off) means you value a quiet, safe home base. Commutes to firehouses are generally short, but traffic on Route 18 or I-195 can be tricky during shift changes.

1. North End: Rent: $1,100 - $1,400 (1BR). The historic heart of the city. Walkable to downtown, restaurants, and the waterfront. More apartment living, older buildings. Best for: Young, single firefighters who want nightlife and a short commute. Downside: Street parking can be a nightmare.
2. South End: Rent: $1,000 - $1,300 (1BR). A quieter, more residential version of the North End. Closer to the beaches (Hawthorn Street) and with slightly more parking. Strong sense of community. Best for: Those wanting a balance of city access and neighborhood feel. Downside: Fewer immediate amenities than the North End.
3. West End: Rent: $950 - $1,200 (1BR). More affordable, with a mix of single-family homes and multi-families. Has its own shopping district on Acushnet Ave. Best for: Firefighters looking for more space or considering buying a multi-family home to live in one unit and rent the others. Downside: Can be a longer drive to the central firehouses.
4. Buttonwood: Rent: $900 - $1,150 (1BR). A classic working-class neighborhood with tree-lined streets and well-kept multi-families. Very family-oriented. Best for: Firefighters with families or those who prioritize a quiet, stable environment. Downside: Further from the city core, more car-dependent.
5. Downtown/Point: Rent: $1,300 - $1,600 (1BR). The most expensive area, with luxury apartments overlooking the harbor. Best for: Command staff or senior firefighters with higher salaries. Downside: High cost, less "local" vibe.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighting career in New Bedford is a marathon, not a sprint. Growth comes through specialization, promotion, and longevity.

• Specialty Premiums: Once you're on the job, you can earn additional pay for certifications. A common example is the Hazardous Materials Technician certification, which can add a 5-10% pay premium. Technical Rescue (confined space, trench, high-angle) and Marine Firefighting (critical in a port city) also carry premiums. Becoming a Paramedic is the single biggest career booster, adding both pay and promotion potential.
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter -> Engineer (driving/pumping the truck) -> Lieutenant (company officer) -> Captain -> Battalion Chief. Each promotion requires years of service, passing promotional exams, and often a bachelor's degree (which is increasingly preferred for command staff). Many firefighters also pursue side roles as Fire Inspectors or in the Fire Marshal's office for a change of pace.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates stability, not explosive opportunity. For a new hire, the next decade will be about mastering your core duties, earning specialty certs, and building seniority. The key to advancement is maintaining a clean record, being an engaged and reliable crew member, and studying for promotional exams long before you're eligible. The pension system makes longevity financially rewarding.

The Verdict: Is New Bedford Right for You?

Here’s the straight talk, from someone who knows the scene.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Union-Protected Job: Strong IAFF local ensures good benefits and job security.	Competitive Hiring: Limited openings, cyclical hiring process. Requires patience and pre-planning.
Affordable Coastal Living: You can live near the ocean without Boston prices.	Tight Budget on Starting Salary: $57,274 requires careful budgeting, especially for single-income households.
Diverse Call Volume: A mix of residential fires, busy EMS, and industrial/maritime incidents keeps the job interesting.	Limited Growth Market: Only 201 jobs in the metro area; moving between departments is uncommon.
Strong Community: New Bedford has a proud, tight-knit working-class vibe that respects first responders.	Older Housing Stock: Can mean higher maintenance costs if you buy, and some rentals may lack modern amenities.

Final Recommendation: New Bedford is an excellent choice for the right candidate. It’s ideal for:

• A motivated self-starter willing to invest in EMT/Paramedic certs before applying.
• A budget-conscious individual or a dual-income couple who values stability over rapid salary growth.
• Someone who appreciates a gritty, authentic city with a rich history and direct access to nature.

If you're chasing the highest possible salary or want to hop between major metro departments, look toward Boston or central MA. But if you want a solid career in a community where you can put down roots, New Bedford offers a realistic and rewarding path.

FAQs

Q: I'm not from Massachusetts. Will I be at a disadvantage in the hiring process?
A: Not necessarily. The civil service exam is open to all. However, Massachusetts gives a strong preference to residents, veterans, and those with local ties. Moving here 6-12 months before the exam and establishing residency (getting a MA driver's license, registering to vote) can be a strategic move.

Q: How much overtime is available?
A: Overtime is common but not guaranteed. It's often tied to special events (Whaling City Festival), fire inspections, or covering open shifts. It can add $10,000 - $20,000 to your base salary, but it requires availability and is often first offered to seniority.

Q: Is the physical test (CPAT) really that hard?
A: Yes. It's designed to simulate real-fireground tasks. You need to train for it specifically—running with weight, stair climbs, dragging hoses. Don't show up unprepared. Local gyms and the fire academy often host prep sessions.

Q: What's the one thing I should do right now if I'm serious about moving to New Bedford?
A: Get your EMT-B certification. It's the single best thing you can do to stand out. The NBFD and surrounding departments are desperate for EMTs. It costs about $1,500 and takes a few months. It's your ticket to the front of the line.

Q: What's the biggest surprise about firefighting in New Bedford?
A: The marine response. You'll train for shipboard fires and waterfront emergencies. It’s a unique aspect of the job you won't find in most inland cities. Also, the community pride is real—you'll be a visible part of the city's fabric.