Firefighter in Plymouth, MN

As a career analyst who's spent years tracking the job market in the Twin Cities metro, I can tell you that Plymouth isn't just another suburb—it's a strategic choice for firefighters. With a population of 77,638, it's a major employment hub that sits at the crossroads of key highways (I-494 and US-169), making it a prime location for emergency response. The city is home to significant employers like the Plymouth Fire Department and is adjacent to major medical centers. This guide is based on real data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry, stripped of fluff to give you the straight facts on whether a move to Plymouth makes sense for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Let's cut to the chase: firefighting salaries in Plymouth are competitive for the region, but you need to understand the experience curve. The median salary for firefighters in the Plymouth area is $57,891/year, which translates to approximately $27.83/hour. This figure sits just above the national average for firefighters, which is $57,120/year. However, this is a median, meaning half of the firefighters earn more and half earn less. Your actual take-home will depend heavily on your rank, certifications, and years on the job.

The job market in Plymouth is stable but tight. There are approximately 155 firefighting jobs in the broader metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 4%. This growth is slower than the national average for many professions, reflecting a mature municipal system. The key here is that openings are often due to retirements rather than expansion, so internal candidates and those with advanced training have a significant edge.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Plymouth area. Note that these are estimates based on local municipal pay scales and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Service	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $53,000	Starting as a Firefighter/EMT. Base pay is modest, but overtime opportunities exist.
Mid-Level	3-8 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Promotion to Engineer or Officer. Additional pay for paramedic certification or specialty skills.
Senior	9-15 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Senior Firefighter or Lieutenant. Significant increase with leadership roles and shift differentials.
Expert	15+ years	$78,000 - $95,000+	Captain, Battalion Chief. Top earners often have advanced degrees (Fire Science) and command staff roles.

Comparison to Other MN Cities

How does Plymouth stack up against its neighbors? It’s a strong contender, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

City	Median Salary	1BR Rent (Avg.)	Cost of Living Index
Plymouth	$57,891	$1,201	104.5
Minneapolis	$61,240	$1,325	106.5
St. Paul	$59,500	$1,250	105.0
Brooklyn Park	$56,200	$1,150	102.0
Maple Grove	$58,400	$1,350	107.0

Plymouth offers a healthy median salary that is above several neighboring suburbs. While Minneapolis pays slightly more, the higher cost of living there (especially rent) can eat into that advantage. Plymouth’s Cost of Living Index of 104.5 (where the U.S. average is 100) means it's slightly more expensive than the national average but more affordable than downtown Minneapolis or Maple Grove.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $57,891 salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single firefighter with no dependents, living in a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Plymouth.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $57,891 / 12 = $4,824
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150 (approx. 24% effective rate)
• Net (Take-Home) Pay: $3,674

Now, let's allocate that take-home pay:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,201	This is the city-wide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; includes high-speed internet.
Groceries & Household	$450	A reasonable budget for one person.
Transportation	$300	Car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance. Plymouth is car-dependent.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$150	Assuming good city insurance, this covers out-of-pocket.
Retirement Savings (401a/457)	$400	Crucial for firefighters. Aim for 10% of gross.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$500	Discretionary spending for dining, entertainment, etc.
Student Loan/Other Debt	$423	This is the variable. If you have this payment, your budget is tight.
TOTAL	$3,674	Exactly matches your net pay.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. With a $3,674 net monthly income and a $1,201 rent, a firefighter is spending about 33% of their take-home pay on rent. To buy a home in Plymouth, the median sale price is around $375,000. A 20% down payment is $75,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,200-$2,500. That would jump housing costs to ~60% of net income, which is unsustainable on a single $57,891 salary. Insider Tip: Firefighters in Plymouth often buy homes in neighboring, more affordable cities like Robbinsdale or New Hope after a few years, or they rely on a dual-income household. The city's pension system is strong, making homeownership a long-term goal rather than an immediate one.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

The vast majority of firefighting jobs in Plymouth are with the Plymouth Fire Department (PFD). It's a full-service department providing fire suppression, EMS, and technical rescue services. However, there are other opportunities in the region. Here are the key employers:

1. Plymouth Fire Department: The primary employer. They operate out of four stations strategically located across the city. They have a strong emphasis on professional development and cross-training. Hiring is typically done through a competitive civil service exam process.
2. North Memorial Health Hospital (in Robbinsdale): While not in Plymouth proper, it's a critical 15-minute drive away. The hospital's air ambulance service and emergency department create indirect demand for highly trained firefighters (paramedics). Many PFD firefighters are paramedics who provide medical transport support.
3. Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC - Minneapolis): A Level 1 Trauma Center. Fire departments across the metro, including Plymouth, have mutual aid agreements with HCMC. Specialized teams (like technical rescue) often train and respond to incidents there. It's a hub for advanced trauma training.
4. Maple Grove Fire Department: A neighboring department that frequently collaborates with PFD. Maple Grove is larger and has more specialized apparatus (like heavy rescue). They sometimes post openings, offering a different career path.
5. Twin Cities Orthopedics (in Plymouth): A major regional employer. While not a fire department, the presence of large healthcare and corporate employers in Plymouth means a higher volume of commercial and medical facility calls, which can influence departmental staffing and specialization needs.
6. Plymouth Public Works: This department sometimes hires for roles that overlap with firefighting skills, such as equipment operators or emergency management coordinators, especially for those with CDL licenses.

Hiring Trends: The PFD is currently focused on recruiting diverse candidates and those with paramedic certifications. There's a noticeable trend toward hiring firefighters who are already Minnesota-certified paramedics, as this reduces training costs and immediately increases service capability. Retirements from the "baby boomer" generation are creating openings, but the process is slow and methodical.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has specific, non-negotiable requirements for firefighters. You cannot legally work as a firefighter without these certifications.

1. Firefighter I & II Certification:

• What it is: A comprehensive state certification covering everything from basic fire behavior to advanced suppression and rescue. It’s typically a 200+ hour course.
• Where to get it: You must attend a state-approved academy. The Minnesota Fire Marshal's Office maintains a list. Locally, the Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park campus) offers excellent programs. The Plymouth Fire Department occasionally sponsors cadet programs, but most candidates attend an academy independently first.
• Cost: Approximately $2,500 - $4,000 for the full program, including gear. This is an out-of-pocket cost for most candidates before they are hired.
• Timeline: 4-6 months of part-time evening/weekend classes, or 8-10 weeks full-time.

2. EMT-Basic (EMT-B) or Paramedic Licensure:

• What it is: Minnesota requires EMT-B as a minimum. However, the market heavily favors Paramedics.
• Where to get it: EMT-B can be done in a semester at a community college (e.g., Hennepin Tech). Paramedic is a 1-2 year associate degree program.
• Cost: EMT-B: $1,000 - $2,000. Paramedic: $10,000 - $15,000+ for the full program.
• Timeline: EMT-B: 1 semester. Paramedic: 12-24 months.

3. Minnesota Driver's License: A valid Class D driver's license is required. A clean driving record is essential.

Insider Tip: The single most competitive advantage you can have is being a Minnesota-licensed paramedic. Many PFD applicants are "EMT-Only" and struggle to get hired. If you're serious about moving to Plymouth, budget time and money to get your paramedic license before you apply. It's a game-changer.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Knowing where to live is critical for work-life balance, especially with shift work. Here are four areas that are popular with first responders.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Plymouth - North (Near 494 & Michigan)	Urban-suburban mix. 10-15 min drive to Station 1 (Central). Easy highway access.	$1,250	Close to the action, good for those who want to be near the city's core. A bit busier.
Plymouth - South (Near Medicine Lake)	Quieter, more residential. 15-20 min commute to most stations.	$1,150	Offers more space and a quieter home life, ideal for sleeping between shifts.
New Hope	Directly adjacent to Plymouth. Less expensive, similar commute.	$1,050	Budget-friendly option. A 10-15 minute drive to any Plymouth station. A very common choice for firefighters.
Robbinsdale	Historic, walkable. 15-20 min commute via 169.	$1,100	Lower cost of living, tight-knit community feel. Close to North Memorial Hospital.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-494 and US-169 can be heavy during rush hour. If you work a 24-hour shift, your commute is often at off-peak times (e.g., 7 am or 7 pm). However, for training days or court appearances, a congested commute can be a hassle. Living in New Hope or Robbinsdale provides the best balance of affordability and easy access to Plymouth's fire stations.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career with the PFD is a marathon, not a sprint. Advancement is structured and based on merit, seniority, and testing.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Paramedic Premium: This is the most significant pay bump. Expect an additional $1.50 - $3.00/hour on top of your base pay. For someone at the median salary, this could add $5,000 - $10,000 annually.
• Hazardous Materials Technician: Specialized training in chemical response. This often comes with a small stipend and is a stepping stone to leadership.
• Technical Rescue Team (TRT): Plymouth's TRT handles complex rescues (high-angle, confined space, trench). It's a prestigious assignment with additional training opportunities.
• Fire Inspector/Investigator: A path for those who prefer a more investigative role, often with a more traditional M-F schedule. Requires additional certification.
• Leadership: The path is Firefighter -> Engineer -> Lieutenant -> Captain -> Battalion Chief -> Assistant Chief. Each step requires passing a civil service exam and an interview.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 10-year job growth of 4%, the market isn't exploding. However, the 155 jobs in the metro provide a stable foundation. The key to growth in the next decade will be in specialization. Fire departments are increasingly becoming all-hazards response agencies. Firefighters with advanced training in:

• EMS/Paramedicine
• Technical Rescue
• Wildland/Urban Interface Firefighting (relevant in the West Metro)
• Public Education & Fire Prevention
  will be the most valuable and have the best long-term career prospects, both in Plymouth and across the Twin Cities.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Plymouth offers a solid, stable career for firefighters with a competitive salary that goes further than in the downtown core. However, it requires strategic planning, especially around the paramedic certification.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary: $57,891 median is strong for the cost of living.	Tight Job Market: Only 155 jobs in the metro with 4% growth.
Stable Department: Plymouth FD is well-established with good equipment.	Paramedic Preference: Not having a paramedic license is a major handicap.
Affordable Living (Relatively): Cost of Living Index of 104.5 is manageable.	High Upfront Cost: Getting certified (Fire I/II, EMT/Paramedic) is expensive.
Excellent Location: Central in the West Metro, easy access to Twin Cities.	Buying a Home is a Long-Term Goal: Not feasible immediately on a single salary.
Strong Pension & Benefits: Municipal job with great long-term security.	Shift Work Challenges: 24-hour shifts can impact sleep and social life.

Final Recommendation:
Plymouth is an excellent choice for a mid-career firefighter or a new candidate who is already a paramedic. If you're willing to invest in the paramedic license upfront, your chances of being hired by Plymouth or a neighboring department are significantly higher. For an entry-level candidate without a medical background, the path is longer and more competitive. Use the stable job market here as a foundation, but be prepared to pay your dues with training and potentially start in a neighboring city like New Hope or Robbinsdale before moving into Plymouth proper.

FAQs

1. I'm not from Minnesota. How do I get my certifications?
You must attend a Minnesota-approved academy. Many out-of-state candidates enroll in a program like the one at Hennepin Technical College. You can establish residency in a nearby, affordable city like New Hope while you complete your training.

2. Is the hiring process for Plymouth Fire Department competitive?
Extremely. They use a civil service exam. Your score on the written test is the primary factor. Having your Minnesota Firefighter I & II and EMT-B (or paramedic) licenses before you apply is almost a requirement to be competitive.

3. What is a typical 24-hour shift like?
Plymouth firefighters typically work a 24-hour shift followed by 48 hours off. The shift includes station duties, training, equipment maintenance, and responding to calls. Sleep is not guaranteed—it depends on call volume.

4. How does the pension work?
Plymouth participates in the Minnesota Firefighters' Pension Plan. It's a defined-benefit plan. You contribute a percentage of your salary, and the city contributes. To be fully vested, you typically need 10 years of service. The benefit is calculated based on your years of service and final average salary.

5. I'm already a firefighter in another state. Can I transfer my certifications?
Minnesota