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Professional Firefighter Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Firefighter information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$62.7K

$105.2K

How much do professional firefighter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional 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.

What is a professional firefighter?

Professional firefighters are trained emergency responders employed by municipal, regional, or private fire departments to protect lives, property, and the environment from fires and other hazards. Their duties include extinguishing fires, performing rescues, administering first aid, and responding to various emergencies such as car accidents or hazardous material spills. In addition to emergency response, they also conduct fire prevention inspections, educate the public about fire safety, and maintain firefighting equipment. Professional firefighters typically work in shifts and must meet physical and educational requirements, often including certification through fire academies.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professional firefighters during their shifts?

Professional firefighters regularly encounter physically demanding situations, exposure to hazardous materials, and unpredictable emergency calls, which can make their shifts both physically and mentally taxing. Balancing rapid response with safety protocols is essential, as is coping with the emotional impact of emergency incidents. Additionally, firefighters often work long shifts in close-knit teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills to manage stress and ensure effective collaboration.

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

A Professional Firefighter must possess strong physical fitness, emergency medical training (often EMT certification), and a high school diploma or equivalent. They regularly use firefighting equipment, rescue tools, breathing apparatus, and specialized communication systems, often requiring ongoing certification and technical training. Critical soft skills include teamwork, stress management, quick decision-making, and effective communication during high-pressure situations. These competencies are vital to ensure rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies and to safeguard both public and team safety.

What is the difference between Professional Firefighter vs Volunteer Firefighter?

AspectProfessional FirefighterVolunteer Firefighter
CredentialsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license often requiredBasic training, certification varies by department
Work EnvironmentFull-time, paid position in urban or suburban areasPart-time, unpaid or stipend-based, often in rural areas
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal fire departments, government agenciesCommunity-based fire departments, volunteer organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career stability and trainingCompared for community service and volunteer opportunities

Professional Firefighters are full-time, paid personnel with formal training and certifications, working in urban or suburban settings. Volunteer Firefighters, on the other hand, serve part-time without pay, primarily in rural areas, and have varying levels of training. Both roles are vital to fire safety but differ in commitment, compensation, and work environment.

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 Professional Firefighter jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Professional Firefighter job openings:

Professional Firefighter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Firefighter job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,677 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Rehire (ONLY) Firefighter

Denver, CO • On-site

City and County of Denver
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 852 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Good schedule notice

Learn more about City and County of Denverexternal

$106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Our Job
About Our Job
The Denver Civil Service Commission utilizes this job posting only for former Denver Firefighters who wish to be rehired with the Denver Fire Department.
Department Overview:
The Denver Fire Department is dedicated to providing quality, timely, and professional emergency services to those who live in, work in and visit the City and County of Denver and the communities we serve. Respecting each other through trust, pride, diversity, integrity, and training. Working together to achieve the highest levels of preparedness, prevention, and community involvement with a dedication to purpose.
1. Complete Initial Application
You must first submit an application with Denver Civil Service Commission. We do not recommend using a cell phone.
If you are immediately notified that you do not meet the minimum qualifications, you may email the Denver Civil Service Commission to learn further details at cscinfo@denvergov.org.
If you have technical problems with Workday, please contact the Workday Service Desk at (720) 337 - 4357, option #2.
2. Eligibility
Former members of the classified service who were separated under honorable circumstances may be reemployed/rehired upon meeting each of the following:
  • Applicants will be considered for re-employment if they have not exceeded two (2) years of separation at the time of application
  • Written approval by the chief of the Denver Fire Department
  • Written approval by the Executive Director of Safety
  • Written approval of a majority of the members of the Civil Service Commission
  • Required certifications must remain active
  • Pass examination requirements
    • If separated less than ninety (90) days:
      • Examination(s) may be required on a case-by-case basis if deemed necessary, at the discretion of the Civil Service Commission.
    • If separated at least ninety (90) days or more:
      • Polygraph exam
      • Job Suitability Assessment (JSA)
      • Background investigation
      • Medical evaluation including drug screen

Note: In the event the approval of either the chief of the department, the Executive Director of Safety, or the Civil Service Commission is not granted, the former member shall have no right to seek review of that decision before the Civil Service Commission, the department chief, or the Executive Director of Safety.
3. Salary & Benefits Information
Reemployed members shall be reemployed at the highest rank previously held except that the rank when reemployed shall not be higher than firefighter 1st grade. Reemployed members shall retain the seniority they had at separation, but no seniority shall be granted for the time during which they were separated, and service shall not be construed as continuous.
Benefits:
  • Paid sick leave and vacation
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Uniforms and most equipment furnished
  • Pension Plan
  • Support of our employee organizations to assist you during your career
  • Local 858 (union)
  • Women Firefighters of Denver (WFFD)
  • Firefighters Incorporated for Racial Equality (F.I.R.E.)
  • Colorado Black Professional Firefighters (CBPFF)

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.
Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.
For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.
About Everything Else
Job Profile
SF1825 Firefighter 1st Grade
To view the full job profile including position specifications click here to find the Informational Booklet for the specific job (in the right-hand sidebar).
Position Type
Fire
Position Salary Range
$106,287.00 - $106,287.00
Starting Pay
Agency
Denver Fire Department
Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies
City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.
The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.
Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.
For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.
City and County of Denver logo

About City and County of Denver

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City and County of Denver operates in the government sector, serving the residents of the city and county of Denver, Colorado, USA. It was officially formed when the city and county merged in 1902 to simplify the local government. Under a mayoral structure, the organization provides a wide range of services, including public safety, human services, public works, and more, to Denver's diverse population. Adhering to its core values - Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Customer Service, Safety, and Excellence in Public Service, its mission is to deliver a world-class city where everyone matters. Some of its notable achievements include innovative public projects and continuous efforts to enhance the community's quality of life.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US

Year founded

1859

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