How to Become a Firefighters in Colorado
Firefighters in Colorado earn a median salary of $74,170/year, which is 25% above the national average. Colorado has a state income tax of ~4.4%. After taxes and rent, a firefighters takes home approximately $3,174/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.
What a firefighters can afford in Colorado
Becoming a firefighters in Colorado
Meet education requirements
Firefighters positions in Colorado typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Colorado. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves long-term on-the-job training in Colorado. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Colorado licensure or certification
Colorado may require specific licensing or professional certification for firefighterss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Colorado Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Colorado
Colorado employs 6,510 firefighters. The highest concentrations are in Fort Collins-Loveland and Denver-Aurora-Centennial.
Firefighters salary by metro area in Colorado
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $100K | $48.04/hr | 300 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | $88K | $42.3/hr | 3,010 |
| Boulder | $79K | $38.17/hr | 360 |
| Grand Junction | $70K | $33.74/hr | 220 |
| Colorado Springs | $63K | $30.34/hr | 760 |
| Greeley | $63K | $30.12/hr | 480 |
| Pueblo | $62K | $29.59/hr | 170 |
Firefighters salary range in Colorado
Firefighters careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighters make in Colorado?▼
The median firefighters salary in Colorado is $74,170 per year ($35.66/hr). This is 25% above the national median of $59,280. Salaries range from $47,000 to $114,170.
What are the requirements to become a firefighters in Colorado?▼
Firefighters positions in Colorado typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Colorado may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Colorado licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a firefighters afford to live in Colorado?▼
At the median salary of $74,170, a firefighters in Colorado would take home approximately $4,775/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,601/month, that's 33.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for firefighters in Colorado?▼
The highest paying metro areas for firefighters in Colorado are Fort Collins-Loveland ($99,930), Denver-Aurora-Centennial ($87,980), Boulder ($79,390). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Colorado have state income tax for firefighters?▼
Yes, Colorado has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%. On a $74,170 salary, this means roughly $3,263/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.