Public Service Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Firefighter Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median firefighter salary in Boulder, CO is $66,150 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$66,150
vs State Avg
+$11,886
vs National
+$14,470
Cost of Living
128%

Firefighter Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median firefighter salary of $66,150, which is $11,886 above the Colorado state average of $54,264. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $66,150 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Boulder spans from $37,888 at the 10th percentile to $118,784 at the 90th percentile — a $80,896 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,960, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,960. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level firefighter earns around $40,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,960
+$8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,560
+$14,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,960
+$22,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $37,888
25th Percentile $49,408
Median (50th) $66,150
75th Percentile $91,136
90th Percentile $118,784

Firefighter Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$57,882
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$54,781
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$54,264
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$51,680
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Firefighter in Boulder

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Boulder

Browse open firefighter positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Boulder

How much does a Firefighter make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Boulder, Colorado is $66,150 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $37,888 (10th percentile) to $118,784 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,150, a firefighter in Boulder earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Boulder's median firefighter salary of $66,150 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $54,264. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $66,150 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Boulder? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Boulder require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.