Paramedic in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
Colorado employs 2,110 paramedics, with a statewide median of $63,910 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Paramedics Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $63,910 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $49,110
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $78,270
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $87,320
- Employed in Colorado
- 2,110
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $58,410 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for paramedics in major Colorado markets:
- Greeley
- $66,830 (60 employed)
- Denver
- $65,090 (1,090 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $64,680
- Colorado Springs
- $63,360 (210 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $62,000 (50 employed)
- Boulder
- $61,450 (100 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 $63,910 median is worth closer to $61,988 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow paramedics employment +18.2%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Paramedic certification — regulated by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS.
- First earn your EMT certification.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited (or CDPHE-approved) paramedic program — typically 1–2 years with field and hospital rotations.
- Pass the NREMT-Paramedic exam and obtain Colorado paramedic certification.
Official requirements: Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS →
Training in Colorado
Paramedic is the step up from EMT in pay and scope. Fire departments and hospital/ambulance services hire steadily; many pair it with fire certification.
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 Paramedics Work in Colorado
Real Colorado EMS agencies that employ paramedics 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: Calm, service-oriented people who can handle urgent, unpredictable work.
Think twice if: You need routine hours, low stress, or low physical demand.
Why it's resilient: Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.
First Steps
Start with EMT training, then compare paramedic programs and local EMS employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paramedics make in Colorado?
The median wage for paramedics in Colorado is $63,910 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,110, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $87,320. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Paramedic in Colorado?
Paramedic certification, overseen by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) — EMTS. First earn your EMT certification.
Is being a Paramedic a good career in Colorado?
Emergency response depends on physical presence, judgment under pressure, patient care, and local systems.
Which Colorado metros pay paramedics the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Greeley leads at $66,830, followed by Denver ($65,090), Fort Collins ($64,680). 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 Paramedic in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most paramedics start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Paramedic a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects paramedics employment to change +18.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 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 29-2043. 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.