Average Firefighters Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Firefighters in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,800, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation is often dictated by the unique demands and geographic challenges inherent to serving nonmetropolitan regions, which can necessitate specialized skills and a broader scope of responsibilities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,810.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 240 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.01, the job market for firefighters in Southwest Colorado indicates a stable and slightly above-average concentration of these professionals. This suggests a consistent demand for their services within the region, reflecting a healthy and robust employment landscape for those in this critical role.
Salary Overview
The average Firefighters in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+35.5%above the national average.
$28.3
$1,131
$4,900
Firefighters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that firefighter salaries in Southwest Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing recognition of the profession's value, evolving safety standards, and the persistent need for skilled emergency responders.
Firefighters Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for firefighters is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and leadership roles can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $42,500 | $20.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $57,690 | $27.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $73,500 | $35.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $76,810 | $36.9 |
Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,800 in Southwest 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 that of a firefighter earning the national average in a typical U.S. location, offering good financial stability.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.176
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.01 signifies that the concentration of firefighters in Southwest Colorado is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, indicating moderate competition for available positions and a stable employment environment for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Firefighters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Firefighters Salary | $61,060↑ 4% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Firefighters Salary | $89,610↑ 52% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Firefighters Salary | $73,990↑ 26% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Firefighters Salary | $84,760↑ 44% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Firefighters Salary | $71,250↑ 21% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Firefighterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Firefighters make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $58,800. This typically ranges from $42,500 for entry-level positions to $76,810 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 35.5% higher than the national median of $43,380.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Firefighters?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Firefighters in this area earn $58,800 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the region financially attractive for the profession.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Firefighters?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($61,060) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the number of local firefighters compare to the national average?
The Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a total local workforce of 240 firefighters, with 2.176 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is very close to the national average concentration.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for firefighters in this area?
A Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates that the proportion of firefighters in Southwest Colorado is only slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.
How does the cost of living affect the firefighter salary in Southwest Colorado?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $58,800 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for firefighters in Southwest Colorado?
Yes, like most locations, salary typically increases with experience, certifications, and rank, with noticeable percentile gaps reflecting career progression from entry-level to senior roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.176 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Firefighters Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area