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Average Firefighters Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Firefighters in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn a compelling average annual salary of $64,350, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the unique demands and specialized skill sets required for firefighting in a region that may present distinct environmental and logistical challenges.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $64,350 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,590.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 470 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.63, the job market for firefighters in Northwest Colorado indicates a robust demand that exceeds the national concentration. This suggests a stable and potentially growing need for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$64,350

The average Firefighters in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+48.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.9

Weekly

$1,238

Monthly

$5,363

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

As firefighters gain experience, their earning potential typically increases significantly. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with accumulated years of service, specialized training, and demonstrated proficiency, individuals can advance to senior roles commanding higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect this clear career progression and the value placed on seasoned professionals.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$46,500$22.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$48,263$23.2
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$62,520$30.1
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$80,438$38.7
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$90,590$43.6

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$64,350

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$64,350

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $64,350 in Northwest Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

3.52

Per 1K Jobs

1.63

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x the national concentration of Firefighters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 1.63 for firefighters in Northwest Colorado signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive compensation for qualified candidates in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

Comparing salaries near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Firefighterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $64,350. This typically ranges from $46,500 for entry-level positions to $90,590 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 48.3% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in this region earn $64,350 annually, substantially more than the national average, while maintaining a cost of living equivalent to the national standard.

Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

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

How does the firefighter salary in Northwest Colorado compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for firefighters in Northwest Colorado is $64,350, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.63 mean for firefighters in this area?

A Location Quotient of 1.63 indicates that the concentration of firefighter jobs in Northwest Colorado is 63% higher than the national average, suggesting a stronger local demand for the profession.

Is the cost of living high for firefighters in Northwest Colorado?

No, the cost of living in Northwest Colorado is at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary of $64,350 will have purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many firefighters are employed in Northwest Colorado?

There are approximately 470 firefighters employed in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.52 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.