Firefighter Apprenticeship in Colorado

Firefighters in Colorado earn a median of $76,560/yr — 59% above the national all-occupation median of $48,060. That puts this apprenticeship path well into upper-middle-income territory for the state.

Colorado Firefighters earn $76,560/yr — a 29% premium over the $59,530 national median for the trade. Strong union presence or high demand likely drives the spread.

Federal projections put Firefighter growth at 3.4% over the next decade. The trade generates about 27,100 openings per year, driven more by an aging workforce than by net new positions.

Colorado's 6,170 Firefighters represent just 1.9% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

Hybrid apprenticeships for Firefighters combine the structure of time-based training with the flexibility of competency milestones. Plan on 2 years, though strong performers in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams sometimes finish earlier.

Colorado's 963 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Firefighters in Colorado ($47,030 to $109,680) covers $62,650. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.