Firefighter Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a firefighter make in Colorado? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $76,560/yr ($36.81/hr), with around 6,170 people working in this field statewide.
Firefighter salaries in Colorado are above the national average by approximately $19,198. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for firefighters in Colorado.
Colorado Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Colorado after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Colorado Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $76,560.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Colorado
Firefighter Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for firefighters in Colorado: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Colorado
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $85,000 | $40.87 | +11.0% | 2,159 |
| Colorado Springs | $81,150 | $39.01 | +6.0% | 1,727 |
| Aurora | $78,850 | $37.91 | +3.0% | 1,110 |
| Fort Collins | $73,500 | $35.34 | -4.0% | 555 |
| Boulder | $69,650 | $33.49 | -9.0% | 370 |
| Pueblo | $66,600 | $32.02 | -13.0% | 246 |
Tip: Denver offers the highest firefighter salaries in Colorado at $85,000/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Colorado
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for firefighters in Colorado.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Colorado
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Colorado typically adds $62,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays firefighters $85,000/yr — +11.0% above the Colorado average. Simply relocating within Colorado can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in Colorado. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wyoming pays firefighters $51,850/yr — -32.3% vs Colorado.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Colorado
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Colorado:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Colorado — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Colorado — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Denver, CO→