Public Service Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Firefighter Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median firefighter salary in Cambridge, MA is $82,688 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$82,688
vs State Avg
+$12,920
vs National
+$31,008
Cost of Living
160%

Firefighter Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median firefighter salary of $82,688, which is $12,920 above the Massachusetts state average of $69,768. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $82,688 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Cambridge spans from $47,360 at the 10th percentile to $148,480 at the 90th percentile — a $101,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,200. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level firefighter earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
+$19,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,200
+$49,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $47,360
25th Percentile $61,760
Median (50th) $82,688
75th Percentile $113,920
90th Percentile $148,480

Firefighter Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$78,554
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$56,848
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$54,264
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$50,646
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Firefighter in Cambridge

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Cambridge and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open firefighter positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Firefighter make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $82,688 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $47,360 (10th percentile) to $148,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,688, a firefighter in Cambridge earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Cambridge's median firefighter salary of $82,688 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $69,768. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $82,688 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Cambridge? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Cambridge require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.