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Firefighter Salary in Vail, CO

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

Median Salary
$104,664
per year in Vail
Entry Level
$63,159
Starting salary
Senior Level
$147,974
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
170
70% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,159$104,664$147,974
Monthly$5,263$8,722$12,331
Biweekly$2,429$4,026$5,691
Weekly$1,215$2,013$2,846
Hourly$30$50$71

Vail vs National Average

How Vail's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Vail Salary
$104,664
COL Index: 170
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$44,304
Higher in Vail

Cost of Living in Vail

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,500
per month
Median Income
$58,821
per year
Population
5,460
residents
Rent % of Income
51.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 170 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Vail 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
+1%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
-5%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
-16%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-43%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
-41%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Firefighter Salary in Vail, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Vail, CO is $104,664 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 170. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Vail's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Vail can expect to earn around $63,159 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $147,974 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Vail's cost of living index of 170 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Vail 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 Vail typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,500 per month, housing represents about 28.7% 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 Vail, 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.