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Firefighter Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$57K - $90K/yr

Firefighter Recruit Pay Range: $55,057.60 - $58,302.40 Starting Salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Firefighter Pay Range: $57,803.20 - $90,084.80 Starting Salary - Minimum of the Pay Range Job Exempt ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Aurora, CO · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Colorado Springs, CO

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Denver, CO

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Greeley, CO

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Fort Collins, CO

$16.25 - $19/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

$16.25 - $19/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.75 - $19.50/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Thornton, CO

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Thornton, CO · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Aurora, CO

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Emergency Fire and Rescue

Greeley, CO · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Trained in firefighting, ship stability and chemical, radiological and biological warfare defense, these Sailors are masters of it all. They also provide training to ensure that all Sailors are ...

Showing results 41-60

Firefighter information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$62.7K

$105.2K

How much do firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighter in Colorado is $62,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a firefighter in PA?

To become a firefighter in Pennsylvania, candidates typically need to meet age and education requirements, complete firefighter training at a state-approved academy, and obtain necessary certifications such as CPR and EMT. Applicants must also pass physical fitness tests, background checks, and often a written exam or interview process.

Is 25 too late to be a firefighter?

Firefighter careers typically have no maximum age limit, and many departments accept applicants in their mid-20s and older. Physical fitness, relevant training, and passing required exams are essential, regardless of age, making 25 a viable age to start a firefighting career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firefighter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Firefighter, you need physical fitness, emergency response expertise, and completion of firefighter training programs—often including EMT certification. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, rescue tools, and communication systems like radios and dispatch software is vital. Strong teamwork, decision-making under pressure, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safety, effective emergency response, and saving lives in high-risk situations.

What are some common challenges firefighters face during emergency response, and how are they supported in handling them?

Firefighters often encounter physically and emotionally demanding situations, such as working in hazardous environments, responding to unpredictable emergencies, and witnessing traumatic events. To help manage these challenges, fire departments provide comprehensive training, strong teamwork, and access to peer support or counseling programs. Regular drills, debriefings after major incidents, and a culture of open communication also play key roles in supporting firefighters' well-being and effectiveness on the job.

Is it difficult to get hired as a firefighter?

Getting hired as a firefighter can be competitive, as it often requires passing written exams, physical fitness tests, background checks, and interviews. Candidates typically need relevant training, such as fire academy certification, and must meet specific health and fitness standards to qualify for employment.

What do firefighters do?

Firefighters respond to emergency fire calls. They monitor phones and radios for emergencies, drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, put out fires, and find and rescue victims in burning buildings or other emergency situations. Many Firefighters are also paramedics and may be called to assist on emergency medical calls.

What are the most commonly searched types of Firefighter jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Firefighter jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Firefighter jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Firefighter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Firefighter jobs in CO? For Firefighter jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Firefighter job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,677 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

2027-2 Lateral Paramedic/Firefighter

South Metro Fire Rescue

Centennial, CO

$127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


South Metro Fire Rescue rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 7 rated fire service


Job description

LATERAL PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER 

To be considered a Lateral Paramedic/Firefighter, candidates need a minimum of 2 years of experience as a Paramedic/Firefighter at a career fire department (within the last 12 months). 

South Metro Fire Rescue is looking for Lateral Paramedic/Firefighters to join our organization.

$114,323/year (Paramedic III grade) - Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience

$127,026/year (Paramedic II grade) - Candidates with more than 3 years of experience 

Candidates selected for this position will begin employment on January 22, 2027, and enter the Field Training Evaluation Program (FTEP). Paramedic/Firefighters will then attend an 8-week Fire Academy beginning June 7, 2027. The academy is held Monday through Thursday, with occasional Friday training as needed.

APPLICATION DUE ON 8/28/2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST

As part of the selection process, SMFR will be conducting a Paramedic testing process. More details to follow.
 
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who are disqualified from the background process, may apply again one year from contingent job offer. 
 
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs paramedic, firefighting, emergency medical, and rescue work in emergency situations. Provides advanced and basic life support care under SMFR Medical Director’s approved protocols and statutes. Ensures that other EMT personnel provide basic life support under their oversight. Maintains apparatus, vehicles, equipment, and fire stations.  Employees are assigned to a field station and perform a wide variety of emergency medical, firefighting, and rescue techniques under direct and limited supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must have a minimum of 2 years of paid, full-time experience as a paramedic/firefighter (within the last 12 months) with a career fire service agency (state, county, municipal or special district) whose primary responsibility is fire protection and emergency medical service (academy training does not count towards the two-year experience requirement). 

  • Must have completed a career fire academy consisting of at least 480 training hours (may be required to provide training records).

  • Must have successful job performance and no prior disciplinary action within the prior two years of experience (copies of performance evaluations will be required as part of the background process).

  • Possession of the following certifications (copies must be provided at time of application):
    • Current Colorado State Paramedic Certification or National Registry Paramedic Certification*
      • *Candidates who hold only a National Registry Paramedic (NRP) certification must obtain a Colorado State Paramedic Certification by their date of hire (1/22/2027)
    • Current American Heart Association ACLS Provider.

    • Current American Heart Association BLS-Provider certification.

    • Firefighter I and Firefighter II-must meet ProBoard/IFSAC Accreditation.

    • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Operations- must meet ProBoard/IFSAC Accreditation.

  • Must meet the continuing education requirements of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education (CDPH&E), the Medical Director, and SMFR.

  • Possession of valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record in accordance with SMFR’s driving records policy. State of Colorado license required by hire date (1/22/2027).
  • Successful completion of comprehensive background check, criminal history review, physical, fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen, and psychological exam in accordance with the SMFR policy and within acceptable SMFR background standards). 
  • To ensure South Metro Fire Rescue maintains a highly trained and dedicated paramedic workforce to serve our community, Paramedic/Firefighters are required to complete a minimum of five (5) consecutive years of employment in the Paramedic/Firefighter position before becoming eligible to voluntarily transfer to a lower-level position (voluntary demotion). During this five-year commitment, Paramedic/Firefighters may:
    • Begin a promotional task book for any suppression position after achieving the Paramedic I grade and completing at least three (3) years of service as an SMFR Paramedic.
    • Begin an EMS Field Instructor task book after completing one (1) year of service at the Paramedic I grade.

          * PLEASE NOTE: SMFR does not permit the use of marijuana within the previous 12 months from contingent offer regardless of whether it is legal in the state of Colorado.* 

          HIRING PROCESS:

          Step #1 SMFR APPLICATION (Deadline August 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST)
          Complete the application following the instructions below.
          • Applicants must attach all required valid certifications and documents along with the application.
          • Please be sure to name each required document/certification indicating the proper name of the document you are attaching.
          • Applicants must complete the work experience history section. Please include all your work history from the last 10 years, if applicable. You may include more than 10 years.
          • If any time gaps in employment during your work history, please create an entry explaining the reason for the gap.
          • You must list your education history.

          ** Incomplete applications will be declined **

          Step #2 Paramedic Testing (Tentatively scheduled for September 14, 2026)

          More information to follow soon. 

          Step #3 Virtual Interviews (September 21, 23, 24, 2026)

          Successful candidates from the paramedic testing will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview.

          Step #4 Oral Boards (Week of October 20th, 2026)

          Successful candidates from the virtual interviews will be invited to in-person oral boards interview.

            CONTACT INFORMATION:
            For all questions related to the Paramedic Hiring Process, please email employment@southmetro.org. 

            Click this link for a full job description: SMFR Paramedic Job Description

            **South Metro Fire Rescue is an Equal Opportunity Employer**


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