Firefighter Apprenticeship in Massachusetts

Wages, programs & career outlook
MA Median Salary
$73,110/yr
+23% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
MA Employment
11,910
Firefighters employed
MA Sponsors
849
Registered programs

Massachusetts Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Massachusetts across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$47,330
25th %ile
$61,930
Median
$73,110
75th %ile
$80,480
90th %ile
$98,610

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Massachusetts

At $73,110 per year, Massachusetts Firefighters earn 52% more than the typical American worker ($48,060 national median). The wage premium reflects both the trade's skill requirements and Massachusetts's labor market.

The 23% wage premium over the national Firefighter median ($59,530) makes Massachusetts one of the stronger markets for this apprenticeship path.

Employment for Firefighters is projected to grow 3.4% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 27,100 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

With 3.6% of the nation's Firefighters (11,910 workers), Massachusetts sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

Unlike pure time-based trades, Firefighter apprenticeships blend scheduled hours with competency checkpoints. The 2-year timeline can compress if you master emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams faster than the standard pace.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Massachusetts is extensive: 849 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

Apprentices entering the Firefighter trade in Massachusetts start near the $47,330 floor but have a clear path to $98,610 — a $51,280 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Massachusetts

849 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Massachusetts. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Amped Dynamics LLC Abington
Walmart - Abington Abington
ARAUJO BROTHERS PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. Acushnet
M-V ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. Acushnet
South Coast Alternative Power Solutions llc Acushnet
Adams Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Adams
"Wheeler Electrical" Agawam
"ZIELINSKI BROTHERS, INC." Agawam
Action Air Inc Agawam
DAVID R. NORTHUP ELECTRICAL CONTR, INC. Agawam
David R. Northup Electrical Contractors, Inc. Agawam
JMC Electrical Solutions, Inc Agawam
Kirby Electrical(canceled) Agawam
W.F. JOHNSON & SON ELECTRICAL CO., INC. Agawam
Trustees of Boston University Allston
G & B ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. Amesbury
Community Works Amherst
"Sodexo d/b/a Pfizer Corp." Andover
Mechanical Air of N.E., Inc. Andover
HOMER CONTRACTING, INC. Arlington
Jamie Oil Company, Inc. Ashland
Beaupre Electric, Inc. Assonet
PROFESSIONAL FIRE & SECURITY, INC. Assonet
Raposo Electric, Inc. Assonet
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC. Attleboro
+ 5 more sponsors in Massachusetts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Firefighters make in Massachusetts?
Firefighters in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $73,110/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $59,530 for the trade.
What is the length of a Firefighter apprenticeship program?
A typical Firefighter apprenticeship lasts approximately 2 years (4,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Should I do a Firefighter apprenticeship or go to trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 2 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
What is the job outlook for Firefighters?
Demand for Firefighters is steady, with 3.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Firefighter apprenticeship in Massachusetts?
Contact one of the 849 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Massachusetts, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
Do Firefighter apprentices get paid during training?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Massachusetts, a first-year Firefighter apprentice might earn around $36,555/yr (roughly half the $73,110 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 2-year program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Massachusetts

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.