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Firefighter Salary in Golden, CO

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

Median Salary
$75,112
per year in Golden
Entry Level
$45,326
Starting salary
Senior Level
$106,193
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
122
22% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$45,326$75,112$106,193
Monthly$3,777$6,259$8,849
Biweekly$1,743$2,889$4,084
Weekly$872$1,444$2,042
Hourly$22$36$51

Golden vs National Average

How Golden's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Golden Salary
$75,112
COL Index: 122
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$14,752
Higher in Golden

Cost of Living in Golden

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$72,234
per year
Population
21,890
residents
Rent % of Income
25.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 122 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Golden 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
+40%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+32%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+18%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
-18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Golden, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Golden, CO is $75,112 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 122. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Golden's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Golden can expect to earn around $45,326 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $106,193 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Golden's cost of living index of 122 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Golden 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 Golden typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 24.8% 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 Golden, 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.