Firefighter Salary in Colorado
Based on 7K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$74,170
$35.66/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+28.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $114K
7K employed in Colorado
The median Firefighter salary in Colorado is $74,170 per year, or $36 per hour. This figure reflects a robust market for these essential public servants, with Colorado's average pay significantly exceeding the national average by 28.9%. Currently, approximately 6,510 firefighters are employed across the state.
Several factors influence the Firefighter salary in Colorado. Experience level, the specific fire department, and the geographic location within the state all play a role. More experienced firefighters in larger metropolitan areas often command higher salaries than entry-level positions in smaller towns, contributing to the wide salary range observed.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,000 |
| 25th percentile | $60,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,170 |
| 75th percentile | $101,260 |
| 90th percentile | $114,170 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,395 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,170 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,395 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $114,170 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Firefighter ($74,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in CO | $97,350 | +31.3% | $46.80/hr |
| Security Guard in CO | $45,150 | -39.1% | $21.71/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in CO | $73,880 | -0.4% | $35.52/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CO | $72,900 | -1.7% | $35.05/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CO | $75,510 | +1.8% | $36.30/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CO | $75,790 | +2.2% | $36.44/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in CO | $71,900 | -3.1% | $34.57/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | +3.1% | $36.77/hr |
| Writer and Author in CO | $76,830 | +3.6% | $36.94/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CO | $77,500 | +4.5% | $37.26/hr |
| Title Examiner in CO | $77,600 | +4.6% | $37.31/hr |
| Editor in CO | $77,870 | +5.0% | $37.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a firefighter in Colorado?
- The salary range for a firefighter in Colorado is quite broad, typically falling between $47,000 and $114,170 annually. This wide spectrum reflects differences in experience, responsibilities, and location within the state.
How does the average firefighter salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
- Firefighters in Colorado earn significantly more than the national average. The median salary of $74,170 per year is 28.9% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the hourly wage for a firefighter in Colorado?
- On average, firefighters in Colorado earn an hourly wage of $36. This translates to the median annual salary of $74,170 for those working full-time.
Is the demand for firefighters high in Colorado?
- Yes, there is a notable employment base for firefighters in Colorado, with approximately 6,510 individuals currently employed in the profession. This suggests a stable job market for qualified candidates.