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Average Firefighters Salary in Colorado

Firefighters in Colorado earn an impressive average annual salary of $78,560, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This substantial difference is largely attributed to the state's unique economic landscape and the specialized demands of the firefighting profession within its diverse environments.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $78,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,680.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,170 firefighters and a Location Quotient of 0.99, Colorado's job market for this profession is nearly on par with the national concentration. This indicates a stable and consistent demand for skilled firefighters across the state, suggesting a robust employment outlook for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$78,560

The average Firefighters in Colorado earns+81.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$37.8

Weekly

$1,511

Monthly

$6,547

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Colorado

Salary progression for firefighters in Colorado typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$47,030$22.6
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$58,920$28.3
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$76,560$36.8
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$98,200$47.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$109,680$52.7

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$78,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,464

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average firefighter salary of $78,560 in Colorado presents a mixed financial picture when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the slightly elevated cost of living means that purchasing power may not be as dramatically increased as the raw salary figure suggests.

Job Market Context

6,170

Total Jobs

2.134

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Colorado has 0.99x 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.

Colorado's Location Quotient of 0.99 for firefighters indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the state is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, implying moderate competition for open positions but also a healthy availability of opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Colorado Springs, CO Firefighters Salary$61,060↓ 22%32 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Firefighters Salary$89,610↑ 14%54 mi
Pueblo, CO Firefighters Salary$73,990↓ 6%66 mi
Boulder, CO Firefighters Salary$84,760↑ 8%67 mi
Greeley, CO Firefighters Salary$71,250↓ 9%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Colorado is $78,560. This typically ranges from $47,030 for entry-level positions to $109,680 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 81.1% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Colorado offers a lucrative environment for Firefighters.The average salary significantly surpasses the national average, providing a strong financial foundation despite a slightly higher cost of living.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($61,060) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Colorado?

The average annual salary for a Firefighter in Colorado is $78,560.

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

Colorado firefighters earn approximately $35,180 more annually than the national average of $43,380.

Is the job market for firefighters strong in Colorado?

Yes, with a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market is stable and closely mirrors the national concentration of firefighters.

How does the Cost of Living in Colorado affect a firefighter's salary?

Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, meaning expenses are slightly higher than the national average, which should be factored into the $78,560 salary.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,170 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 2.134 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 Colorado