Firefighter in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

If you're a firefighter eyeing Quincy, the first thing to know is that the pay is solid, but it's not Boston-level. The median salary for a firefighter in Quincy is $59,107/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.42/hour. That's a hair above the national average of $57,120/year, but it’s important to contextualize this within the Massachusetts landscape. The cost of living here is notably higher than the national average, so that $59,107 needs to be stretched further than it would be in, say, Springfield.

Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience. These figures are based on local union contracts (Quincy Firefighters Local 792) and Massachusetts state data, reflecting a typical progression.

Experience Level	Years on the Job	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2	$48,000 - $54,000	This is your probationary period. Expect a lower base with overtime opportunities.
Mid-Career	3-8	$60,000 - $72,000	You'll hit the median here. You're now a full-fledged firefighter, eligible for specialty assignments.
Senior	9-15	$75,000 - $85,000	Seniority brings higher base pay, shift differential, and potential for promotion to Lieutenant.
Expert/Leadership	15+	$85,000 - $110,000+	Captains, District Chiefs. Top-tier pay includes extensive overtime and command responsibilities.

Compared to other major Massachusetts cities, Quincy sits in a competitive middle ground. Boston Fire Department starts higher (often $65,000+ for rookies), but the competition is brutal. Worcester and Springfield offer lower costs of living but also lower base salaries, often in the $53,000-$57,000 range for entry-level. Quincy provides a balance: access to the Boston metro job market (over 203 jobs in the metro area) without the extreme cost of Boston proper.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for firefighters in the Quincy metro area is 4%. This is a stable, not explosive, growth rate. It means jobs are available, but they're competitive. You're not walking into a hiring frenzy; you need to be a top candidate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about the budget. On a $59,107 salary, your take-home pay after Massachusetts state tax (5%), federal tax (approx. 12%), and FICA (7.65%) is roughly $43,200 annually, or about $3,600 per month.

Now, factor in the rent. The average 1BR rent in Quincy is $2,377/month. That leaves you with just $1,223/month for everything else—car payment, insurance, groceries, utilities, and savings. For a single person, it's manageable but tight. For a family, it's a serious stretch.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible with discipline. The median home price in Quincy is around $600,000. With a 10% down payment ($60,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $3,400/month (including taxes and insurance). That's nearly your entire take-home pay. Most firefighters here either buy a multi-family (to rent out a unit) in a neighborhood like Wollaston or West Quincy, or they wait until they've reached a senior salary level ($75,000+) and have a dual income.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Firefighter at Median Salary ($59,107):

• Gross Monthly: $4,925
• Taxes & Deductions: ~$1,325
• Net Monthly (Take-Home): $3,600
• Average Quincy 1BR Rent: -$2,377
• Remaining: $1,223
• Common Expenses (Est.):
  • Car Payment/Insurance: -$400
  • Groceries: -$350
  • Utilities/Phone: -$150
  • Health Insurance (if not covered): -$150
  • Savings/Discretionary: ~$173

This budget highlights why many Quincy firefighters live with roommates, partners, or in more affordable neighborhoods (see below) and rely on overtime to build savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

The primary employer is, of course, the Quincy Fire Department (QFD). It's a full-service, career department with 10 stations covering over 16 square miles and a population of 101,607. QFD handles everything from medical assists (the vast majority of calls) to water rescues on the Marina Bay and Wollaston Beach.

Beyond the city, the broader "Quincy Metro" area (which includes parts of Norfolk County and the South Shore) offers opportunities, especially for those willing to commute. Key employers include:

1. Quincy Fire Department (Main Employer): Hires cyclically. The last major academy was in 2022; the next is anticipated in 2025. They value candidates with EMT/paramedic certification. Hiring Trend: Stable, with retirements driving openings.
2. Boston Fire Department: While not in Quincy, it's a major draw. Many Quincy residents work for BFD. The commute is 20-40 minutes depending on traffic (I-93 S to I-90 E). Hiring Trend: Highly competitive, with entrance exams every 2-3 years.
3. Braintree Fire Department: A direct neighbor to the south. Similar pay scale, excellent reputation. Often hires alongside Quincy. Hiring Trend: Active, with recent academy classes.
4. Weymouth Fire Department: Another South Shore community. Growing population and new stations mean consistent hiring. Hiring Trend: Positive growth.
5. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton: Located just south of Quincy. While not a fire department, it's a major employer of paramedics. Many firefighters here work part-time or as paramedics to supplement income. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for EMS personnel.
6. State Fire Marshal's Office (MA): For those interested in investigation or prevention. Requires experience and specialized training. Hiring Trend: Limited openings but high specialization.
7. Defense & Maritime Industries: The Fore River Shipyard area in Quincy is a hub. While not direct firefighting, these facilities have large, industrial fire brigades (e.g., General Dynamics, Boston Shipyard). These are niche, well-paid positions.

Insider Tip: The key to getting hired in Quincy is EMT-B or EMT-P certification. Over 70% of QFD calls are medical. Having your medic card before you apply puts you in the top 10% of candidates.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear path, but it's regulated by the Massachusetts Firefighting Commission. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Eligibility: You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma/GED, and be a U.S. citizen or have a work visa.
2. Firefighter I & II Certification: You must complete a state-approved Firefighter I & II academy. This is a 180-hour minimum course, typically run by community colleges (like Massasoit CC in Brockton) or the MA Fire Academy in Stow. Cost: $3,000 - $7,000 (some departments sponsor recruits, but you usually pay upfront).
3. EMT Certification: This is often a separate course, about 150-200 hours. Many academies bundle it. Cost: $1,500 - $3,000. You must pass the National Registry exam.
4. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): A pass/fail obstacle course. You must train for this independently. Cost: The test itself is ~$150, but gym memberships/trainers add cost.
5. Apply & Test: Take the written exam (often based on the Firefighter Civil Service exam), pass an oral board, and clear a background check. This process can take 6-12 months.
6. Probation: Once hired, you'll complete a probationary period (usually 1 year) with on-the-job training.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch (no certs), plan for 12-18 months to complete Firefighter I/II, EMT, and pass the CPAT before you can even apply. Total upfront investment: $5,000 - $10,000.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Quincy is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget.

• Wollaston: The classic choice for first responders. Close to the "T" (Red Line), has a village feel, and is centrally located. Homes are older but often have character. Rent for 1BR: $2,200 - $2,500. Commute to QFD HQ (100 Seaverns Ave): 5-10 mins. Insider Tip: Wollaston Beach is a great place to decompress after a shift.
• West Quincy: More residential and slightly more affordable. Easy access to I-93 for commuting to Boston or other suburbs. Rent for 1BR: $2,100 - $2,400. Commute: 10-15 mins. Insider Tip: Look near the Wollaston Golf Club for quieter streets.
• Marina Bay: The waterfront area. Modern apartments and condos, great views, but higher cost of living. More transient, younger crowd. Rent for 1BR: $2,500 - $3,000+. Commute: 5-10 mins. Insider Tip: Not ideal for long-term home buying, but perfect for a single firefighter wanting an active social scene.
• Quincy Center: Urban, dense, and the most affordable for a 1BR. You're close to the "T," restaurants, and the hospital. Rent for 1BR: $2,000 - $2,300. Commute: 5-10 mins. Insider Tip: Parking can be a nightmare. If you have a take-home car, this is a major factor.
• North Quincy: A bit more bustling, with a strong Asian community and great food. Close to the Red Line and I-93. Rent for 1BR: $2,250 - $2,600. Commute: 10-15 mins. Insider Tip: The area around the North Quincy "T" station is very convenient but can be noisy.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Promotion within the QFD follows a structured path, governed by the union contract and civil service rules. Growth isn't just about rank; it's about specialty pay.

• Specialty Premiums: Assignments come with stipends. For example:
  • Paramedic: $5,000 - $8,000/year premium.
  • Technical Rescue Team (TRT): $2,500 - $4,000/year.
  • Marine Unit: $2,000 - $3,500/year (crucial for Quincy's water-based rescues).
  • Fire Prevention Officer: $3,000 - $5,000/year.
• Advancement Path: Firefighter → Engineer (drives apparatus) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain → District Chief. Each promotional exam is competitive. Moving from Firefighter to Lieutenant can take 5-10 years of seniority and top exam scores.
• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 4% Growth): The 4% job growth in the metro area indicates stability, not expansion. The biggest factor will be retirements. The QFD has an aging workforce, so opportunities will open up, but competition will remain fierce. Specializing is key. A firefighter with EMT-P, TRT, and Marine Unit qualifications will be at the top of every promotion list and eligible for the most overtime.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Quincy offers a strong, stable career for a firefighter, but it requires financial savvy and a commitment to the community. It's a gateway city—close to Boston, but with its own identity.

Pros	Cons
Solid Pay: $59,107 median is competitive for the region.	High Cost of Living: Rent eats over 60% of take-home on median salary.
Stable Jobs: 4% growth and retirements create openings.	Competitive Hiring: You need certifications and to pass tough exams.
Great Training: Access to Boston-area training and specialty teams.	Overtime-Dependent: To thrive financially, you often need OT.
Quality of Life: Coastal living, good schools, diverse food scene.	Traffic: Commuting to Boston or from other suburbs can be congested.
Union Strength: QFD Local 792 has a strong contract with good benefits.	Home Buying Challenge: Requires dual income or senior-level salary.

Final Recommendation: Quincy is an excellent choice for a mid-career firefighter or a newly certified EMT/paramedic who is single or has a partner with an income. It's not the best city for a brand-new, single firefighter to buy a home immediately, but it's a fantastic place to build a career, gain diverse experience (urban, water, medical), and eventually establish roots in the Greater Boston area. If you value community, access to the city, and a balanced lifestyle, Quincy is a top contender.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is it to get hired by the Quincy Fire Department?
A: Very competitive. You need to score high on the written exam and oral board. Having your EMT certification is almost mandatory. The candidate pool is large, often drawing from all over New England.

Q: Does Quincy Fire Department have a residency requirement?
A: No, there is no official residency requirement to be a firefighter in Quincy. However, many live in the city or nearby suburbs for the commute and community ties.

Q: What is the shift schedule like?
A: Quincy uses a traditional 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule (a "Kelly" schedule). Some positions, like marine unit or prevention, may have different hours. It's a great schedule for side work or family time.

Q: Is the cost of living manageable on a firefighter's salary?
A: It's manageable if you're budget-conscious. Sharing an apartment or renting a studio in a more affordable neighborhood like Quincy Center can make a big difference. Overtime is also a common way to boost income.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for firefighters in Quincy?
A: The high cost of housing is the top challenge. The second is the volume of medical calls, which can be emotionally taxing. The third is balancing the demanding 24-hour shifts with personal life.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Quincy Fire Department Local 792 Contract, Zillow Rental Market Data, City-Data.com, and local real estate market reports.