Colorado Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Scale, Overtime Policy, Benefits & Department Comparison
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Colorado firefighter compensation is best understood at the department level. Pay scales by rank/step, schedules, overtime rules, and benefit deductions can produce very different take-home outcomes—even within the same state.
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Colorado Pay: What Matters Most
- Rank/step plan: confirm probation pay, step increases, and promotion differentials.
- Schedule design: clarify how hours are counted and how built-in overtime is handled.
- Overtime policy: verify assignment rules, caps, callback minimums, and holdover practices.
- Benefits: retirement and healthcare premiums can materially affect net pay.
Overtime and Premiums: Checklist
- How overtime is assigned (rotation, seniority, supervisor assignment)
- Rules for holdovers/callbacks and minimum pay time
- Whether shift trades trigger premium pay
- Any specialty incentives (driver/operator, instructor, rescue, hazmat, paramedic, etc.)
Benefits and Long-Term Value
Compare retirement terms, vesting, employee contribution rates, and healthcare premiums for your coverage type. These items often decide the “better offer” when base pay looks similar.
How to Compare Departments in Colorado
- Get the current pay scale for the rank you are applying for.
- Confirm schedule structure and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate realistic overtime based on staffing and policy.
- Subtract retirement and healthcare deductions to estimate take-home pay.
- Consider commuting and housing costs in the specific area.
FAQ
Why do two Colorado departments show different pay for the same rank?
Departments can have different step plans, contract language, benefit deductions, and overtime policies. Compare the pay scale and total compensation, not just a single number.
What’s the fastest way to verify pay information?
Request the department’s current pay scale and benefits summary, and confirm overtime rules in writing or through official documentation.
