SalaryNode

Average Firefighters Salary in Worcester, MA

Firefighters in Worcester, MA, command an impressive average annual salary of $68,720, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of factors specific to the Worcester area, including the cost of essential services, local demand, and the specialized nature of firefighting roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $68,720 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,010.
  • Outlook: Worcester presents a robust employment landscape for firefighters, with a local workforce of 1,320 individuals. The location quotient of 1.74 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for skilled firefighters within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$68,720

The average Firefighters in Worcester, MA earns+58.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33

Weekly

$1,322

Monthly

$5,727

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA

Career progression for firefighters in Worcester is clearly reflected in salary potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between salary percentiles illustrates the substantial earning potential as one advances through the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$46,020$22.1
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$51,540$24.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$70,620$34
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$85,900$41.3
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$85,010$40.9

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$68,720

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$68,720

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average firefighter salary of $68,720 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's income in Worcester is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,320

Total Jobs

3.749

Per 1K Jobs

1.74

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Worcester, MA has 1.7x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a location quotient of 1.74, Worcester demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of firefighter jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market where demand for these essential professionals is notably strong, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$64,660↓ 6%14 mi
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Firefighters Salary$67,740↓ 1%37 mi
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Firefighters Salary$58,770↓ 14%37 mi
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Firefighters Salary$74,810↑ 9%37 mi
Springfield, MA Firefighters Salary$66,550↓ 3%39 mi

Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Worcester, MA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Worcester, MA is $68,720. This typically ranges from $46,020 for entry-level positions to $85,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 58.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Worcester, MA is a lucrative place for Firefighters.Firefighters in Worcester earn substantially more than the national average, with an average salary of $68,720. This, combined with a cost of living at the national average, makes it a financially advantageous location.

Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($64,660) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.

How does the Worcester firefighter salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Worcester, MA is $68,720, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Worcester compared to the rest of the US?

Worcester has a location quotient of 1.74 for firefighters, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 74% higher than the national average.

Does the cost of living in Worcester affect firefighter salaries?

No, the cost of living in Worcester is at the national average (index of 100), so the higher salary directly translates to better purchasing power compared to areas with a higher cost of living.

How many firefighters are employed in Worcester, MA?

There are approximately 1,320 firefighters employed in Worcester, MA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,320 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 3.749 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Worcester, MA