How to Become a Firefighter in Boston

Boston Firefighters are among the highest-paid government workers in the state of Massachusetts, earning an average salary of $157,000 in 2022 (Boston Globe, September 2023). Several hundred applicants take the Massachusetts Firefighter civil service exam each year in hopes of being selected to join the Boston Fire Academy and train to become a firefighter.

It has been difficult for applicants who have not served in the military to gain admission to the Boston Fire Academy due to preferential civil service hiring rules for military veterans. The Massachusetts civil service system ranks military veterans who score a passing grade above all non-veteran test takers, including those with higher scores, in the selection process for the Fire Academy.   

However, students who live in Boston now have an alternative route to becoming a firefighter—the Boston Fire Cadet Program. This two-year training program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training and exposure to firefighting tools. During the program, Cadets work in paid, civilian positions for the Fire Department that pay $29,100 plus benefits.

More importantly, students who complete the program in good standing are all but guaranteed admission to the Fire Academy to become firefighters. Cadets will still need to pass the state's Firefighter civil service exam, but they will be able to bypass the regular civil service ranking system, including its preferred status for military veterans, and jump to the head of the queue.

Application Process and Requirements

To qualify for the Fire Police Cadet program, applicants must:

• Be 18-25 years old
• Have lived in Boston for at least 3 years
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have a Massachusetts Driver's License

The application process begins with a written application and an initial phone screen. Candidates who make it through the initial screening process advance to a second round that includes a formal interview, physical fitness and medical evaluation, psychological evaluation, background check, and drug test.

How to Strengthen Your Application

The Fire Cadet selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming a firefighter and serving the public. Participation in paid or volunteer work helping the community is a strong plus. The selection committee also places a high value on cultural competency, as the department seeks to diversify its workforce to better reflect the communities it serves. In addition to seeking candidates who demonstrate a cultural awareness of the needs of Boston's communities of color, the selection committee is also interested in increasing the representation of female firefighters. Finally, speaking another language is a plus in the application process.