Firefighter in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
Colorado employs 6,510 firefighters, with a statewide median of $74,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Firefighters Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $74,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,000
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $101,260
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $114,170
- Employed in Colorado
- 6,510
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $57,120 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for firefighters in major Colorado markets:
- Fort Collins
- $99,930 (300 employed)
- Denver
- $87,980 (3,010 employed)
- Boulder
- $79,390 (360 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $70,190 (220 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $63,110 (760 employed)
- Greeley
- $62,640 (480 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 $74,170 median is worth closer to $71,940 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow firefighters employment +9.0%, faster than the +3.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 560 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001) — regulated by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC).
- Complete a fire academy (community college or a department-run academy).
- Earn DFPC Firefighter I and II certification (NFPA 1001-based).
- Add EMT certification — most Colorado departments require it — then apply to departments.
Official requirements: Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) →
Training in Colorado
Competitive hiring; EMT (or paramedic) plus academy certs make you a stronger candidate. Many start as volunteers or wildland firefighters to get experience.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate / Associate
- Community College of Aurora — Certificate / Associate
Where Firefighters Work in Colorado
Real Colorado fire departments that employ firefighters include:
- Agate Fire Protection District — Agate
- Spanish Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Aguilar Station — Aguilar
- Akron Volunteer Fire Department — Akron
- Alamosa Fire Department Station 1 — Alamosa
- Allenspark Fire Department Station 1 — Allenspark
- North-West Fire Protection District Station 1 Alma — Alma
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People drawn to public service, physical challenge, and team-based work with a clear civic purpose.
Think twice if: Shift work, physical fitness testing, fire and smoke exposure, and civil service hiring timelines sound prohibitive.
Why it's resilient: Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
First Steps
Research your local fire department's recruitment cycle and start EMT-Basic training as the first practical step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do firefighters make in Colorado?
The median wage for firefighters in Colorado is $74,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,000, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $114,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Firefighter in Colorado?
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001), overseen by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC). Complete a fire academy (community college or a department-run academy).
Is being a Firefighter a good career in Colorado?
Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
Which Colorado metros pay firefighters the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Fort Collins leads at $99,930, followed by Denver ($87,980), Boulder ($79,390). 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 a Firefighter in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Mountain College. Most firefighters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Firefighter a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects firefighters employment to change +9.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 560 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 33-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) (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.