Average Firefighters Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Firefighters in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $89,610. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $43,380, indicating a robust compensation structure in this region. Factors such as the demanding nature of the role, specialized training requirements, and the specific economic conditions of the Denver area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,500.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area employs approximately 2,900 firefighters, with a location quotient of 0.83. While this indicates a slightly lower concentration of firefighters compared to the national average, the presence of a substantial workforce suggests a consistent demand for these essential services. The figure of 1.795 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the steady employment opportunities available within this sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+106.6%above the national average.
$43.1
$1,723
$7,468
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, like most professions, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and advancements in training and equipment, all of which contribute to higher compensation expectations for skilled professionals.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for firefighters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive training, certifications, and leadership roles can expect significantly higher earnings. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies the career advancement and earning potential available within the firefighting profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $52,370 | $25.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $67,208 | $32.3 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $88,860 | $42.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $112,013 | $53.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $116,500 | $56 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $89,610 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is precisely the national average), firefighters relocating to Denver-Aurora-Centennial can expect their nominal income to directly translate to purchasing power. This means that the higher salary effectively compensates for the average cost of living, allowing for a comparable standard of living to the national average, without significant financial strain due to local expenses.
Job Market Context
2,900
Total Jobs
1.795
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.83x 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.
The location quotient of 0.83 for firefighters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average. This doesn't necessarily indicate a shortage, but rather that the demand for firefighters is met by a workforce that is proportionally similar to, or slightly smaller than, the national distribution. The market appears stable, offering consistent opportunities without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Firefighters Salary | $84,760↓ 5% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Firefighters Salary | $71,250↓ 20% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $64,350↓ 28% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $58,800↓ 34% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary | $61,320↓ 32% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $89,610. This typically ranges from $52,370 for entry-level positions to $116,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 106.6% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a lucrative place for Firefighters.The average annual salary of $89,610 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially advantageous location.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($84,760) and Greeley, CO.
How does the firefighter salary in Denver compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for firefighters in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $89,610, which is more than double the national average of $43,380.
What is the total number of firefighters in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 2,900 firefighters employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial affect a firefighter's salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is 100, which matches the national average. This means the higher average salary of $89,610 provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Is the job market for firefighters saturated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
With a location quotient of 0.83, the market is not oversaturated, indicating a stable demand for firefighters relative 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 2,900 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 1.795 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Firefighters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- All Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Management Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Browse All Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO