EMT in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Public safety

Colorado employs 3,060 emts, with a statewide median of $45,750 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.

What Emts Earn in Colorado (May 2025)

Colorado median pay: $45,750 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,370
Experienced (75th percentile): $49,930
Top earners (90th percentile): $58,320
Employed in Colorado: 3,060
U.S. median (for comparison): $39,380 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for emts in major Colorado markets:

Fort Collins: $48,220
Colorado Springs: $46,180 (400 employed)
Grand Junction: $45,860 (60 employed)
Denver: $45,750 (1,510 employed)
Boulder: $44,660 (150 employed)
Greeley: $43,300 (80 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado

Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,750 median is worth closer to $44,374 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)

Colorado is projected to grow emts employment +19.0%, faster than the +5.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Colorado License and Certification Requirements

EMT certification — regulated by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS.

Be at least 18 and complete a CDPHE-approved EMT course (often one semester at a community college).
Pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Clear a background check and obtain Colorado EMT certification (renews every 3 years).

Official requirements: Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS →

Training in Colorado

Fast, affordable entry and the gateway to paramedic or firefighting. Ambulance services, ski-area patrols, and fire departments all hire EMTs.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:

Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate
Colorado Mountain College — Certificate / Associate

Where Emts Work in Colorado

Real Colorado EMS agencies that employ emts include:

Washington County Ambulance Service — Akron
Alamosa County Ambulance — Alamosa
Washington County Ambulance Service — Anton
Pridemark Paramedic Services - Jefferson County — Arvada
Aspen Ambulance District - Aspen Valley Hospital — Aspen
Capital City Ambulance — Aurora

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want fast healthcare entry, thrive under pressure, and want a credential that opens doors to paramedic and firefighter careers.

Think twice if: Physically demanding patient lifting, shift work including nights and weekends, and starting wages under $40k sound impractical.

Why it's resilient: Emergency medical response is inherently physical, local, and human — impossible to automate and always urgently needed.

First Steps

Enroll in an EMT-Basic program — most run about 150 hours over one semester at a community college or fire academy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do emts make in Colorado?

The median wage for emts in Colorado is $45,750 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,370, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,320. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an EMT in Colorado?

EMT certification, overseen by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS. Be at least 18 and complete a CDPHE-approved EMT course (often one semester at a community college).

Is being an EMT a good career in Colorado?

Emergency medical response is inherently physical, local, and human — impossible to automate and always urgently needed.

Which Colorado metros pay emts the most?

Among Colorado metro areas, Fort Collins leads at $48,220, followed by Colorado Springs ($46,180), Grand Junction ($45,860). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an EMT in Colorado?

Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most emts start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is EMT a growing career in Colorado?

Colorado projects emts employment to change +19.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2042. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.