Firefighter in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Broomfield offers a solid, if not spectacular, salary for firefighters. It sits comfortably above the national average but is slightly below some of the more competitive metro areas in Colorado. The key here is understanding the context: Broomfield is a growing suburban city nestled between Denver and Boulder, which means the cost of living is higher than the national average, but the job market is stable and the community is tight-knit.

Here’s the hard data. The median salary for a firefighter in the Broomfield area is $58,062 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.91. This is just above the national average for firefighters, which sits at $57,120 per year. There are approximately 153 jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates a stable, consistent demand for skilled professionals.

To give you a clearer picture of how your career progression might look, here’s a breakdown of typical salary ranges based on experience. It's important to note that these are estimates based on local data and collective bargaining agreements.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Broomfield Area)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (FF I)	$52,000 - $59,000	Basic firefighting and emergency response, apparatus operation, station duties.
Mid-Level (FF II)	$60,000 - $70,000	Advanced technical skills, driver/operator, initial training officer roles.
Senior (Captain)	$75,000 - $88,000	Company officer, incident command, personnel management, budget oversight.
Expert (Battalion Chief)	$90,000+	Strategic planning, large-scale incident management, union negotiations.

When you compare Broomfield to other Colorado cities, it falls in the middle tier. Denver and Boulder often offer higher base salaries due to higher cost of living and larger, more complex departments. However, Broomfield’s combination of a reasonable salary, stable job growth, and a slightly less hectic pace of life is a significant draw for many firefighters looking to start a family or avoid the intense grind of a major city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. A salary of $58,062 sounds good on paper, but your take-home pay is what matters. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer without dependents can expect to take home roughly $42,000 - $44,000 annually, or about $3,500 - $3,650 per month.

The biggest variable in your monthly budget is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Broomfield is $1,835 per month. This is a major chunk of your take-home pay, leaving you with about $1,700 - $1,800 for all other expenses. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,550	After taxes (approximate)
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,835	The biggest fixed cost
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$150	Varies by season; Broomfield winters are cold.
Car Payment & Insurance	-$400	Essential; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$350	Shopping at King Soopers or Costco.
Health & Wellness	-$150	Gym membership, physical therapy.
Miscellaneous (Food, Entertainment)	-$500	Movies, meals out, hobbies.
Savings & Emergency Fund	$115	Critical. This amount is too low for long-term stability.
TOTAL	$3,550

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single income of $58,062, buying a home in Broomfield is a significant challenge. The median home price in Broomfield is over $550,000. With a 20% down payment of $110,000, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $3,000, which is unsustainable on a single firefighter's salary. Insider Tip: Many firefighters in the area rely on dual incomes, VA loans, or purchase in more affordable neighboring towns like Westminster or Thornton. Union benefits and overtime can also play a crucial role in building savings for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield’s firefighting jobs are primarily with the Broomfield Fire Department (BFD), which serves the city and the incorporated areas within Broomfield County. However, there are also opportunities with neighboring agencies and special districts. Here are the key employers:

1. Broomfield Fire Department (BFD): The largest and primary employer. BFD operates from several stations, including Station 1 (downtown), Station 2 (on the north side near U.S. 36), and others. They handle everything from medical calls to structure fires and hazardous materials incidents. Hiring is competitive, typically with a cadet academy once or twice a year.

2. Westminster Fire Department: Adjacent to Broomfield. Westminster is a larger city with a significant call volume. Their jurisdiction borders Broomfield to the east and south, and they often hire paramedics and firefighters. Commute from Broomfield neighborhoods to Westminster stations is manageable (15-25 minutes).

3. North Metro Fire Rescue District: Covers parts of Broomfield County and Adams County. They are a large, progressive agency with a focus on technical rescue and wildland firefighting. They have multiple stations and a strong training division. Their headquarters are located in Northglenn, a short commute from Broomfield.

4. Adams County Fire Protection District #1: Serves the unincorporated areas around Broomfield. This district offers a different pace, often with more wildland interface calls and a mix of urban and suburban responses.

5. Boulder Fire-Rescue: Located about 20 minutes west of Broomfield. Boulder offers a unique mix of high-altitude, technical, and urban firefighting. The cost of living in Boulder is higher, but their benefits and specialty teams are excellent. Commute is straightforward via U.S. 36 or CO-72.

6. South Adams County Fire Department: Serves the southern parts of Broomfield County and adjacent areas. They are known for their specialized apparatus and strong community involvement.

Hiring Trends: BFD and neighboring agencies are actively seeking candidates with paramedic certifications. The trend is toward hiring paramedics from the start, as medical calls make up 70-80% of their total call volume. Wildland firefighting experience is also a plus, especially for districts like North Metro Fire that have significant open space and foothills territory.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

To be a firefighter in Colorado, you need specific state certifications. The process is structured but can be completed in 1-2 years.

1. EMT-Basic Certification: This is the absolute minimum. You must be a licensed EMT-B in Colorado. This typically involves a 120-150 hour course and passing the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam. Cost: $1,200 - $2,500 for the course.

2. Paramedic Certification (Highly Recommended): As mentioned, most agencies strongly prefer or require paramedic licensure. This is a much longer process, often taking 1-2 years of full-time study. Cost: $5,000 - $12,000 for a certificate or associate’s degree program.

3. Firefighter I & II Certification (IFSAC/Pro Board): This is your core fire training. You can get this through a fire academy (often at a community college like Front Range Community College in Westminster) or as part of a department's cadet program. Cost: $3,000 - $8,000 if you pay out-of-pocket for an academy.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Complete your EMT-B. Volunteer or work on an ambulance to gain experience. Start applying to fire departments.
• Year 2: If hired as a cadet, you will complete Fire I/II and paramedic school simultaneously during your academy. If not hired, you can self-sponsor into a paramedic program and fire academy.
• Year 3: You should be a licensed paramedic with Fire I/II, making you a highly competitive candidate.

Insider Tip: Many Colorado departments, including Broomfield, have "cadet" or "hire-on" academies where they pay for your training. This is the most financially efficient path. It’s also less stressful than going through school on your own. Always check the specific agency's hiring page for these opportunities.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Choosing where to live in Broomfield impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods to consider:

1. Interlocken / Westlake: This is the upscale area in west Broomfield, near FlatIrons Crossing Mall. It’s close to U.S. 36, making commutes to Denver or Boulder easy. The vibe is modern and corporate. Rent Estimate: A 1BR in this area will be at or slightly above the city average, around $1,850 - $2,000/month. Best for those who value proximity to amenities and a shorter commute to Broomfield stations.

2. Broomfield Heights / North Broomfield: This is a more established, residential area with older homes and tree-lined streets. It’s quieter and has a strong community feel. Commute to BFD stations (like Station 2) is very short. Rent Estimate: Slightly more affordable, with 1BR apartments available for $1,700 - $1,850/month. Great for firefighters who prioritize a quiet home life.

3. Downtown / Old Broomfield: The heart of the city, with a historic Main Street vibe. It’s walkable, has local breweries and restaurants, and is very close to Station 1. It’s the most central location. Rent Estimate: Limited apartment stock, but 1BR rentals typically fall in the $1,800 - $1,950/month range. Perfect for those who want an active, social lifestyle right in their neighborhood.

4. The Broadlands / Anthem Ranch: These are larger master-planned communities in the southern part of Broomfield, near the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. They offer pools, trails, and parks, but are further from downtown. Commute to stations can be 15-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: Similar to Interlocken, expect $1,850 - $2,100/month for a 1BR. Ideal for firefighters with families or those who want a community-centric lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighting career in Broomfield is not just a job; it’s a long-term path with clear advancement tracks and opportunities for specialized skills.

• Specialty Premiums: Many departments offer pay incentives for specialized certifications. For example, having your Hazmat Technician certification, Technical Rescue (rope, confined space, water) cert, or being on a Wildland Firefighting team can add 5-10% to your base pay. Getting your EMT-P (Paramedic) is almost a given for a pay bump.

• Advancement Paths: The standard path is from Firefighter to Engineer/Driver, then Captain, Battalion Chief, and up to Assistant Fire Chief. Each step requires additional training, exams, and time-in-service. BFD and neighboring agencies have strong internal promotion systems.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a projected 4% job growth, the market will remain stable. The biggest changes will come from the increasing need for paramedic training and potential new stations as Broomfield and the metro area continue to grow. Retirements will open up positions. Insider Tip: The key to advancement is being a continuous learner. Get every certification you can, take leadership courses, and get involved in union or committee work. Your reputation is everything in this tight-knit community.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, above-average salary ($58,062) with strong union representation.	High cost of living (Index 105.5) and expensive rent ($1,835/month).
Excellent work-life balance compared to major metro agencies.	On a single income, buying a home is very difficult.
Diverse call volume—from medicals to wildland to structure fires.	Job growth is modest (4%); competition for spots is steady.
Central location between Denver, Boulder, and the mountains.	Must have paramedic certification to be competitive, adding to upfront cost.
Tight-knit, supportive community with a focus on family.	Commute to specialty teams or agencies may be longer if not with BFD.

Final Recommendation: Broomfield is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and a balanced lifestyle over the highest possible salary or the fastest-paced urban environment. It’s ideal for those who are already a paramedic or are willing to get certified, and who are looking to start a family or enjoy the Colorado outdoors without the extreme pressure of a big city department. For a single-income household, it requires careful budgeting and a long-term plan for homeownership. If you have a partner with an income, Broomfield becomes a highly attractive and liveable option.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a paramedic to get hired by Broomfield Fire?
A: While not always a strict requirement for the initial application, it is extremely difficult to be a competitive candidate without paramedic certification. Most hires are paramedics from the start. It is highly recommended to obtain your EMT-P before applying.

Q: How competitive is the hiring process for Broomfield Fire?
A: It is competitive. BFD typically receives several hundred applications for a few dozen spots in a cadet class. The process includes a written exam, physical ability test (PAT), panel interview, background check, and medical/psychological evaluations. Strong experience as an EMT or firefighter/EMT in another jurisdiction gives you a significant edge.

Q: Can I live in Broomfield and commute to a department in Denver or Boulder?
A: Yes, absolutely. Broomfield is a prime location for commuting. A drive to downtown Denver can be 20-30 minutes (without major traffic), and to Boulder is about 20 minutes west. Many firefighters live in Broomfield for its relative affordability and community feel while working in higher-paying neighboring cities.

Q: What is the cost-of-living index (105.5) mean for a firefighter?
A: It means Broomfield is 5.5% more expensive than the U.S. average. While your salary is above the national average, your dollars won’t stretch as far as they would in a lower-cost area. This is why the budget breakdown is so critical—your rent and other essentials will consume a larger portion of your income.

Q: Are there volunteer firefighter opportunities in Broomfield?
A: The Broomfield Fire Department is a full-time, paid department and does not have a volunteer program. However, some neighboring special districts (like North Metro Fire) have combination paid/volunteer models. It’s best to check their specific career pages for volunteer opportunities.