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Average Firefighters Salary in Boulder, CO

Firefighters in Boulder, Colorado, earn an impressive average annual salary of $84,760, significantly outpacing the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is often attributed to the specialized demands of the role in a region like Boulder, which may include unique environmental challenges and a higher cost of doing business, necessitating competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $84,760 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $108,280.
  • Outlook: The firefighter job market in Boulder, CO, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.77, supports a local workforce of 320 individuals. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for firefighters within the city, suggesting consistent employment opportunities for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$84,760

The average Firefighters in Boulder, CO earns+95.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.8

Weekly

$1,630

Monthly

$7,063

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO

As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can expect to reach the higher end of the pay scale. The percentile gaps in salary data serve as a clear indicator of this career progression and the rewards associated with advancing through the ranks.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$51,890$24.9
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$63,570$30.6
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$80,330$38.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$105,950$50.9
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$108,280$52.1

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$84,760

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$84,760

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $84,760 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, firefighters in Boulder, CO, experience a salary that perfectly aligns with the national average cost of living. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for this profession.

Job Market Context

320

Total Jobs

1.651

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Boulder, CO has 0.77x the national average concentration of Firefighters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

Boulder, CO, has a Location Quotient of 0.77 for firefighters, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field without facing intense competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Firefighters Salary$89,610↑ 6%27 mi
Greeley, CO Firefighters Salary$71,250↓ 16%37 mi
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Firefighters Salary$87,570↑ 3%37 mi
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$64,350↓ 24%67 mi
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$58,800↓ 31%67 mi

Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Boulder, CO?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Boulder, CO is $84,760. This typically ranges from $51,890 for entry-level positions to $108,280 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 95.4% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Boulder, CO offers a lucrative environment for Firefighters.Firefighters in Boulder earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, their earnings provide strong purchasing power.

Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Firefighters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($89,610) and Greeley, CO.

What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Boulder, CO?

The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Boulder, CO is $84,760.

How does Boulder's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Boulder's average firefighter salary of $84,760 is substantially higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the Cost of Living in Boulder, CO?

The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the firefighter job market in Boulder, CO?

The firefighter job market in Boulder, CO has a Location Quotient of 0.77, indicating a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 1.651 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 Boulder, CO