Average Firefighters Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Firefighters in Colorado Springs, CO, command an impressive average annual salary of $61,060, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the specialized skills, demanding physical conditions, and critical public service role inherent to firefighting, coupled with local economic factors that support higher wage scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,130.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 840 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.22, Colorado Springs demonstrates a robust demand for firefighters, indicating a market that is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable and potentially growing job market for these essential service professionals within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Colorado Springs, CO earns+40.8%above the national average.
$29.4
$1,174
$5,088
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Colorado Springs have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for emergency services, and evolving training requirements likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for this vital profession.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
The salary progression for firefighters in Colorado Springs typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive training and years of service can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression and reward for accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $42,660 | $20.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $45,795 | $22 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $62,420 | $30 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $76,325 | $36.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $74,130 | $35.6 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,060 in Colorado Springs aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
840
Total Jobs
2.624
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Colorado Springs, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 signifies that firefighters are more concentrated in Colorado Springs than the national average, suggesting a healthy and active job market for this profession. While this indicates good demand, it also implies a competitive environment where skilled and experienced individuals are highly valued.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $64,350↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $58,800↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $61,320↑ 0% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Firefighters Salary | $73,990↑ 21% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Firefighters Salary | $89,610↑ 47% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Colorado Springs, CO is $61,060. This typically ranges from $42,660 for entry-level positions to $74,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 40.8% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Colorado Springs offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Colorado Springs earn substantially more than the national average, with their salaries aligning perfectly with the national average cost of living.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($64,350) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the firefighter salary in Colorado Springs compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Colorado Springs is $61,060, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.
What is the concentration of firefighters in Colorado Springs compared to the rest of the US?
Colorado Springs has a higher concentration of firefighters, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.22, meaning there are more firefighters per worker than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Colorado Springs affect the firefighter salary?
The cost of living in Colorado Springs is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary of $61,060 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest for firefighters in Colorado Springs?
With 2.624 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a solid presence and demand for firefighters within the Colorado Springs workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 840 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 2.624 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO