Public Service Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median emt/paramedic salary in Denver, CO is $43,602 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$43,602
vs State Avg
+$2,725
vs National
+$4,672
Cost of Living
112%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $43,602, which is $2,725 above the Colorado state average of $40,877. Compared to the national median of $38,930, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $43,602 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,930. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Denver spans from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $69,440 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,360, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,960. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $31,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,360
+$3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
+$4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,960
+$6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $29,120
25th Percentile $34,720
Median (50th) $43,602
75th Percentile $56,000
90th Percentile $69,440

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$49,830
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$41,266
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$40,877
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$38,930
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Denver

Education

Most emt/paramedic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Denver

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Denver, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Denver

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Denver, Colorado is $43,602 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $69,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,602, a emt/paramedic in Denver earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Denver's median emt/paramedic salary of $43,602 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $40,877. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a emt/paramedic salary of $43,602 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Denver? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Denver require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.