GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Firefighter Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$100,451/yr
Typical range: $95,789 – $108,175
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Firefighter salary by experience level in Boston
Firefighter Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $65,293 | $5,441 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $73,664 | $6,139 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $80,361 | $6,697 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $87,057 | $7,255 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $100,451 | $8,371 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $112,505 | $9,375 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $115,518 | $9,627 | +77% |
Current Salary
$100,451
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$112,505
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Firefighter salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Firefighters in Boston, MA earn approximately $100K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Firefighter make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $100K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $48/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Firefighter in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Firefighter in Boston, MA earns $96K–$108K/yr.