Firefighter in Somerville, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Somerville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that firefighting in Somerville isn't about getting rich, but about a solid, stable middle-class income with exceptional benefits. The median salary for a firefighter here is $59,107/year, which breaks down to $28.42/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, a fact that reflects the higher cost of living in Massachusetts. While the national figure is a useful benchmark, your financial reality in Somerville is tied to the local market.

The job market for firefighters here is tight and competitive. There are only about 160 firefighting jobs in the broader metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%. This isn't a field with explosive growth; it's a field with high retention. Most openings come from retirements, not new positions. For you, this means you need to be exceptionally qualified and patient. The process from application to academy can take over a year.

To understand where you might start, here’s a typical salary progression for a firefighter in the Somerville area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry (Probationary)	$48,000 - $52,000	Academy training, riding as a probationary firefighter, mastering equipment and protocols.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	Full operational duties, may hold a driver/engineer role, active on specialized teams.
Senior (7-15 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Company officer (Lieutenant), mentorship, significant incident command responsibilities.
Expert (15+ years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Battalion Chief or higher, strategic planning, union leadership, deep specialization.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local union contracts and BLS data. Top pay is often tied to education, certifications, and overtime.

How does Somerville compare to its neighbors?
Somerville is part of the Greater Boston metro, where salaries are generally higher than the national average but vary by city. Here’s a rough comparison:

City/Town	Median Salary (Firefighter)	Key Differentiator
Somerville	$59,107	Dense urban environment, high call volume, strong union.
Boston	~$65,000+	Larger, more complex operations, higher cost of living, more specialized roles.
Cambridge	~$62,000	High-tech and university focus, similar density to Somerville.
Medford	~$58,000	More suburban, slightly lower cost of living.
Quincy	~$56,000	Coastal city with its own unique challenges (maritime, airport).

Somerville offers a competitive salary within the metro, especially considering it's a smaller city with a high volume of calls due to its density.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. With a median salary of $59,107, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, FICA) will be approximately $44,000 - $46,000 annually, or about $3,650 - $3,800 per month. This is a simplified estimate; your actual take-home depends on your specific tax situation (e.g., dependents, retirement contributions).

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1BR apartment in Somerville is $2,064/month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 111.6, meaning it's 11.6% more expensive than the national average.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,700	After taxes and mandatory deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$2,064	The biggest expense; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, internet.
Groceries	$350	Eating out adds up quickly in Boston.
Transportation	$150	MBTA pass (~$90) or car payment/insurance/gas.
Health Insurance	$250	Often subsidized by the city/union, but not fully free.
Savings/Retirement	$300	Crucial for long-term stability.
Discretionary	$436	For everything else: entertainment, clothes, emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the million-dollar question. The median home price in Somerville is well over $700,000. For a firefighter earning $59,107, a standard mortgage (20% down, 30-year term) would be prohibitively expensive on a single income. Homeownership is generally only feasible with:

1. A dual-income household.
2. Significant savings for a down payment (often from family).
3. Looking at more affordable neighboring towns like Malden, Everett, or Revere.
4. Waiting until reaching a senior officer rank (10+ years) with a higher salary.

Insider Tip: Many firefighters live in Somerville but own homes in more affordable areas like Lynn or Chelsea, using the MBTA for their commute. The city's housing market is a key reason why many live with roommates or partners.

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Where the Jobs Are: Somerville's Major Employers

The primary—and essentially only—employer for firefighters in Somerville is the Somerville Fire Department (SFD). However, understanding its structure and related entities is key. The SFD operates 5 fire stations across the city, responding to over 12,000 calls annually in a 4.2-square-mile area.

Here are the specific employers and related opportunities:

1. Somerville Fire Department (SFD): The main employer. They hire through a civil service exam process. The department is known for its high call volume and diversity of incidents, from dense residential fires to complex motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies.
2. City of Somerville (Municipal): While the SFD is the primary fire employer, being a City of Somerville employee gives you access to better health insurance rates, pension plans, and union benefits (IAFF Local 755).
3. Massachusetts Fire Academy (MFA): Located in Stow, this is not a direct employer but a mandatory training provider. All new hires must complete the 16-week Recruit Firefighter Program. The cost is covered by the hiring department, but you must pass the rigorous physical and academic tests.
4. Cambridge Fire Department: A neighboring, larger department with a similar pay scale. Many applicants apply to both Cambridge and Somerville. Cambridge has a larger fleet and more specialized units (HazMat, dive team).
5. Boston Fire Department: The biggest employer in the region. The process is highly competitive, and the city is larger and more complex. Salaries are higher, but the pace and politics are different.
6. Tufts University Fire Safety: A unique, smaller role. While not a full municipal firefighter position, it's a fire safety specialist role on a major campus in Medford/Somerville. It's a good stepping stone for someone building a resume.
7. Massachusetts State Police - Fire Investigation Unit: A long-term career goal. Requires years of firefighting experience and additional training. Based in Boston but covering the state.

Hiring Trends: Somerville, like most of Massachusetts, hires in sporadic "classes" every few years, often when a large group of firefighters retires. The process is long (12-18 months) and includes a written exam, physical ability test (CPAT), oral interview, background check, and medical/psychological evaluations. Insider Tip: Network with current SFD members at community events. The fire service is a tight-knit community, and personal recommendations (while not officially part of the process) can help you understand the culture and what they're looking for.

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Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear path to becoming a certified firefighter. It's a state-regulated process through the Massachusetts Fire Training (MFT), which is part of the Department of Fire Services.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Meet Basic Eligibility: Be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma/GED, hold a valid driver's license, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
2. Pass the Civil Service Exam: For Somerville, you must take the state's firefighter civil service exam. The exam is not given annually; you must sign up for the next offering. It tests cognitive abilities, reading comprehension, and situational judgment. Cost: The exam fee is typically around $100.
3. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): This is a pass/fail obstacle course simulating real-fireground tasks (stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, etc.). You must train for it independently. Cost: The test fee is about $150. You must pass within 10 minutes and 20 seconds.
4. State Firefighter I & II Certification: This is the core training. New hires complete the 16-week Recruit Firefighter Program at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow. The curriculum covers fire behavior, rescue, ventilation, hazardous materials, and more. Cost: This is 100% funded by the hiring municipality. You do not pay for it. You are paid a salary during training.
5. EMT-B Certification: While not always a strict requirement for every department, Somerville Fire Department strongly prefers or requires EMT-B certification. Many applicants get this before applying. You can take a course at a local community college (e.g., Bunker Hill CC) or private provider. Cost: $1,200 - $2,500 for the course and exam.
6. Background Check & Probation: Once hired, you undergo a thorough background check and start a probationary period (typically one year).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Now: Research the civil service exam schedule. Start training for the CPAT (you'll need 3-6 months of dedicated training). Consider getting your EMT-B license if you don't have it.
• 6-12 Months: Take the civil service exam. Continue physical training.
• 12-24 Months: If you score high enough on the list, you'll be called for interviews and the CPAT. If you pass, you'll enter the hiring pool.
• 24-36 Months: You could be hired for the next academy class. Then, 16 weeks of academy training.

Insider Tip: The most common path to a firefighter job in Massachusetts is to get your EMT-B license first. It makes your application stand out and is often a prerequisite for even being considered by top departments like Somerville.

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Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Somerville is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. As a firefighter, you'll want a balance of affordability, safety, and reasonable commute to your possible station (which could be anywhere in the city). Most SFD stations are near Davis Square, Union Square, and in the northern parts of the city.

Here are the top neighborhoods to consider:

1. Davis Square (West Somerville): The heart of the city. Vibrant, walkable, with the Red Line T-stop. Close to Tufts University. Rents are high: ~$2,200 - $2,500 for a 1BR. Best for those who want to be in the action and can share an apartment. Commute to any station is easy by bike or T.
2. Ball Square / Teele Square (West Somerville): Slightly more residential than Davis, but still lively. A bit more affordable than Davis Square. 1BR rents: ~$2,000 - $2,300. Great local cafes and access to the Red Line. A solid choice for a young professional.
3. Prospect Hill (Central Somerville): Historic, hilly, with beautiful views and a strong sense of community. Less student-heavy. 1BR rents: ~$1,900 - $2,200. More residential feel, easier street parking. A short bike ride to Union Square or downtown.
4. Winter Hill (North Somerville): A quieter, more family-oriented neighborhood. Home to the iconic The Last Hurrah bar. 1BR rents: ~$1,800 - $2,100. It's close to the Assembly Row T-stop (Orange Line) and has good access to I-93. A pragmatic choice for saving money.
5. East Somerville (Near Assembly Row): The most affordable option, with newer apartment complexes. It's close to the Orange Line and major highways, but less walkable and has fewer local amenities. 1BR rents: ~$1,700 - $2,000. Ideal for someone with a car who prioritizes budget over neighborhood charm.

Commute Note: As a firefighter, you may work 24-hour shifts. Living very close to your station isn't as critical as for a 9-to-5 office worker. However, being near a major T stop (Red or Orange Line) or highway access is key for getting to the academy, meetings, or post-shift errands. Insider Tip: Many firefighters live in the more affordable neighborhoods (Winter Hill, East Somerville) and use their savings to travel or invest. The "cool" neighborhoods are nice, but the financial pressure is real.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Somerville is a marathon, not a sprint. Advancement is structured, competitive, and based on seniority, exam scores, and performance.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:
While the base salary is around $59,107, you can increase your earnings through:

• Specialty Pay: Members of specialty teams (e.g., Technical Rescue, HazMat, Dive) may receive a small annual stipend (often $1,000 - $2,500).
• Acting Pay: When filling in for a higher rank (e.g., Lieutenant), you receive a pay differential.
• Overtime: Significant overtime is available for covering shifts, special events, and emergencies. This can boost annual income by $10,000 - $30,000+, but it's physically and mentally demanding.
• Educational Incentives: Many MA departments offer pay bumps for college degrees (Associate's/Bachelor's) and advanced certifications (Fire Officer, Instructor).

10-Year Outlook:
With the 4% job growth projection, advancement will be primarily through internal promotion. Over 10 years, a dedicated firefighter could realistically reach:

• Year 1-4: Firefighter I/II, possibly Driver/Engineer.
• Year 5-8: Company Officer (Lieutenant).
• Year 9-10: Battalion Chief (competitive, requires strong leadership and exam scores).

The pension is a major component of long-term financial health. Massachusetts firefighters typically are part of a state pension system (like MSERS or a local variation), requiring 20-25 years of service for full benefits. This provides stability but requires long-term commitment.

Insider Tip: The fire service is deeply traditional. Advancement is often based on "who you know" and your reputation. Be reliable, take on extra training, and be a positive force in the station. The path to promotion is as much about interpersonal skills as it is about test scores.

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The Verdict: Is Somerville Right for You?

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary: $59,107 median is solid for the region.	High Cost of Living: Rent at $2,064/month eats a large portion of your income.
Strong Union & Benefits: Excellent health insurance, pension, and job security.	Difficult Housing Market: Homeownership is a long-term, often dual-income goal.
High Call Volume: You'll stay sharp and gain diverse experience quickly.	Intense Competition: Few jobs, long process, high standards.
Vibrant City Life: Access to Boston's culture, sports, and education.	Dense Urban Environment: Can be stressful; parking, traffic, and noise are real issues.
Strong Community: The fire service in Greater Boston is tight-knit and supportive.	Long Training Pipeline: 12-24 month wait post-exam is common.

Final Recommendation:
Somerville is an excellent choice for a motivated, financially savvy firefighter who values urban life and professional challenge. It's not the place for someone looking to buy a house on a single income quickly, but it's ideal for someone who wants to be in the center of the action, build a strong resume, and reap the benefits of a top-tier municipal pension.

If you are early in your career, willing to live with roommates, and ready to compete for a spot, Somerville offers a rewarding path. If your primary goal is homeownership on a single income, you may need to consider starting your career in a more affordable city (like Worcester or Springfield) and then transferring or applying to Somerville later, or plan on a dual-income household.

The bottom line: For the right person, the trade-offs are worth it. The job is demanding, the city is expensive, but the professional and personal rewards are immense.

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