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Firefighter Salary in Durango, CO

How much does a firefighter make in Durango? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Durango's cost of living.

Median Salary
$72,649
per year in Durango
Entry Level
$43,840
Starting salary
Senior Level
$102,712
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Durango.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,840$72,649$102,712
Monthly$3,653$6,054$8,559
Biweekly$1,686$2,794$3,950
Weekly$843$1,397$1,975
Hourly$21$35$49

Durango vs National Average

How Durango's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Durango Salary
$72,649
COL Index: 118
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$12,289
Higher in Durango

Cost of Living in Durango

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$48,821
per year
Population
19,440
residents
Rent % of Income
35.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Durango have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+45%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+37%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+22%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-18%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
-15%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Durango.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Durango.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Durango, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Durango, CO is $72,649 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Durango's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Durango can expect to earn around $43,840 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $102,712 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Durango's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Durango are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Durango typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 24.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Durango, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.