Firefighter Salary in Colorado

How Much Does a Firefighter Make in Colorado?

In Colorado, Firefighters earn a median of $76,560, with most earning between $60,280 and $101,990 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024).

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations

Your actual take-home pay as a Firefighter in Colorado depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Colorado state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Firefighter in Colorado

As a Firefighter working in Colorado, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Firefighter professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Colorado State Income Tax

Colorado has a state income tax that applies to all Firefighter salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Colorado's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Colorado salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Firefighter salary.

Cost of Living for Firefighter in Colorado

Your Firefighter salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Colorado. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $76,560 Firefighter salary in a low-cost area of Colorado provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Firefighter Salary Examples in Colorado

Here's what different Firefighter salary levels look like in Colorado:

Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Colorado salary calculator.

Compare Firefighter Salaries Across States

The same Firefighter salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $76,560 Firefighter salary in California results in about $3,828 to $7,656 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Colorado?

The median Firefighter salary in Colorado is $76,560 (BLS, May 2024), with most earning between $60,280 and $101,990.

How much does a Firefighter make after taxes in Colorado?

A Firefighter earning the Colorado median of $76,560 takes home approximately $59,321 per year after federal tax (~$8,013) and FICA (~$5,857), plus Colorado state tax (~$3,369). Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Is Colorado a good state for Firefighter professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Colorado's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Firefighter take-home pay in Colorado?

Use our Colorado salary calculator →

Or compare Firefighter salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.