Firefighter Career Guide: Greeley, Colorado

If you're a firefighter looking at Greeley, CO, you're likely weighing the practical realities of a career move here. I’ve lived in Northern Colorado long enough to know that Greeley isn’t just Denver’s industrial cousin—it’s a distinct city with its own economy, neighborhoods, and rhythm. This guide is built on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Colorado State Fire Marshal's Office, and local market insights. No fluff, just the facts you need to decide if Greeley is the right next step.

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

The first question is always about the paycheck. For a Firefighter in Greeley, the median salary is $56,434/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.13/hour. This figure is slightly below the national average of $57,120/year, which is common for many municipal roles outside major coastal hubs. However, the cost of living in Greeley helps make that salary go further.

The metro area (Weld County) supports 225 firefighting jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates stability. You won't see a hiring frenzy like in booming tech cities, but retirements and expansions in departments like Greeley-Evans Fire Department (GEFD) create consistent openings.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in municipal fire departments in the region. Note that these are estimates based on local contract structures and BLS percentiles.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Probationary firefighter, EMT-Basic/Advanced, station duties, initial training.
Mid-Career (4-8 years)	$56,000 - $65,000	Firefighter/EMT or Paramedic, driver/operator, specialized training (Technical Rescue, HazMat).
Senior (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $80,000	Officer (Lieutenant), instructor roles, union leadership, advanced certifications.
Expert/Management (15+ years)	$82,000 - $105,000+	Captain, Battalion Chief, Fire Marshal, administrative roles.

Insider Tip: The jump from Firefighter to Officer (Lieutenant) is where you see the most significant salary increase. In Greeley, that promotion often comes with a $15,000-$20,000 bump, significantly altering your financial trajectory.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities:

• Denver Metro: Higher base pay ($60,000-$70,000 median) but offset by a cost of living index often over 115. Rent for a 1BR can easily exceed $1,800.
• Fort Collins: Similar to Greeley’s median, but with a slightly higher cost of living and a focus on a university-town culture.
• Colorado Springs: Pay is competitive with Greeley, but the city has a larger military influence and different departmental structures.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. The median salary of $56,434 translates to roughly $4,700/month gross. After federal, state (4.63%), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is approximately $3,700/month.

Greeley’s average 1-bedroom rent is $1,190/month. The cost of living index is 96.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches about 4% further than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Firefighter earning $56,434):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$4,700
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions: ~$1,000
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,700
• Average Rent (1BR): $1,190
• Remaining After Rent: $2,510

This remaining amount covers utilities ($150), car payment/insurance ($400), groceries ($400), student loans, retirement savings (457(b) or 401(k)), and discretionary spending. It’s manageable, but tight if you have significant debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Greeley is approximately $420,000. With a 10% down payment ($42,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,500 (including taxes and insurance). This is about 68% of your take-home pay, which is financially risky. Most financial advisors recommend housing costs be under 30% of income. Therefore, buying a home on a single median firefighter income is difficult without a dual-income household or significant savings for a larger down payment.

Insider Tip: Many Greeley firefighters live in nearby towns like Evans or Windsor, where housing can be slightly cheaper, and commute to the station. A 15-minute commute is very common here.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

Greeley’s fire service is dominated by municipal departments, with a few other options. The hiring process is competitive but transparent.

1. Greeley-Evans Fire Department (GEFD): The primary employer, serving the city of Greeley and the town of Evans. They run a modern, ISO Class 2 department. They typically hire in "academies" every 18-24 months. Current Trend: GEFD is actively expanding its paramedic program and seeking firefighters with advanced life support (ALS) certifications.
2. Weld County Emergency Services: Covers unincorporated areas and some smaller towns. Often hires for both career and combination (volunteer/career) positions. Known for a more rural call volume, including wildland interface fires.
3. University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Fire Department: A smaller, on-campus department. Good for those interested in a campus environment and educational institution benefits. Hires sporadically.
4. Aims Community College Fire Science Program: While not a direct employer, Aims is a key training hub. Many instructors are active firefighters, and completing their Fire Science or EMT programs can give you a major leg up in local hiring.
5. Banner Health Greeley Medical Center & North Colorado Medical Center: These are not fire employers, but they are critical partners. Firefighters in Greeley provide EMS transport to these hospitals. Building relationships with ER staff here is part of the job.
6. Local Wildland Agencies: During summer, the Greeley area sees potential for wildfire. Contractors like Firestorm or Wildland Fire Support may hire for seasonal work, which can be a foot in the door for full-time career firefighters.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has a structured process for firefighter certification, managed by the Colorado State Fire Marshal’s Office (under the Division of Fire Prevention and Control).

Key Requirements:

1. Firefighter I/II Certification: This is the core. You can get this through a state-certified academy (like at Aims Community College or the Greeley-Evans FD academy if hired). Cost: $2,500 - $4,000 if you self-sponsor, often free if hired by a department that sponsors you.
2. EMT-Basic or Paramedic License: EMT-B is the minimum for most departments. Paramedic is highly preferred and often required for advancement. EMT-B course costs ~$1,200; Paramedic can be $8,000-$15,000.
3. Colorado Driver’s License: Must be obtained within 30 days of establishing residency.
4. CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test): Mandatory for most hiring processes. You must pass this before being offered a conditional job offer.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re already a certified out-of-state firefighter: You’ll need to apply for reciprocity with the Colorado State Fire Marshal. This can take 4-8 weeks. You will likely need to complete a Colorado-specific "bridge" course to learn local codes and protocols.
• If you’re starting from scratch: Enroll in a Fire Science/EMT program (9-12 months). Apply to departments while in school. If hired, you’ll go through their paid academy (5-6 months). Total time from start to first shift: 12-18 months.

Insider Tip: Colorado is a "home rule" state, meaning each city can have slightly different protocols. Even with reciprocity, expect to learn the local way of doing things.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Greeley is a sprawling city with distinct areas. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Commute to GEFD Stations	Rent Estimate (1BR/2BR)	Lifestyle & Notes
Central Greeley	5-10 mins	$1,100 / $1,450	Walkable, near UNC, historic homes. Older housing stock. Good for social life.
West Greeley (near 10th St)	10-15 mins	$1,200 / $1,600	Established, family-oriented suburbs. Good schools. Quieter, more single-family homes.
South Greeley (near 35th Ave)	15-20 mins	$1,050 / $1,400	Newer developments, more affordable. Longer commute but less traffic.
Evans (adjacent town)	10-15 mins	$1,000 / $1,300	Lower rent, strong community. Most GEFD stations serve Evans, so you could live where you work.
Windsor (north, 15 mins)	20-25 mins	$1,250 / $1,600	Upscale, excellent schools. Pricier but offers a different, more suburban feel.

Insider Tip: If you get hired by GEFD, you could be assigned to any of their 7 stations. Stations 5 and 6 are in more residential areas, while Station 1 (downtown) is the busiest. Living centrally gives you a buffer for any assignment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation isn’t inevitable. The 4% job growth over 10 years is slow, but advancement within departments is steady.

• Specialty Premiums: In many Colorado departments, special certifications come with pay incentives.
  • HazMat Technician: +$500-$1,500/year.
  • Technical Rescue (Rope, Confined Space): +$500-$1,200/year.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: Can lead to a full-time inspection role with a higher salary range ($70,000+).
• Advancement Paths: The standard path is Firefighter > Driver/Operator > Lieutenant > Captain > Battalion Chief. Each step requires time, testing, and often a degree. A bachelor’s in Fire Science or Public Administration is increasingly common for higher ranks.
• 10-Year Outlook: The Greeley-Evans FD is planning for future annexations and growth. While the 4% overall job growth is modest, internal promotions are reliable. The biggest opportunity is in the EMS side. Fire departments are increasingly providing paramedic services, and those with ALS certifications are in high demand for leadership roles. The trend is toward more integrated medical response.

Insider Tip: Consider getting your Fire Instructor I certification early. Teaching at the academy or Aims Community College is a great way to network, earn extra income, and bolster your promotion packet.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $56,434 salary goes farther here than in Denver or Boulder.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% job growth means fewer openings; you must be patient.
Stable, Community-Focused Department: GEFD is well-regarded with a strong union and good morale.	Limited Specialties: Compared to Denver, you may have fewer large-scale specialty teams to join.
Northern Colorado Lifestyle: Easy access to mountains, Horsetooth Reservoir, and a vibrant, growing college town vibe.	Wind and Agriculture: Greeley is windy and surrounded by farms. Be prepared for agricultural and wildland fire responses.
Clear Career Path: Transparent promotion process and strong training opportunities.	Isolation from Major Mountains: It’s a 1.5-2 hour drive to prime Colorado ski areas.

Final Recommendation:
Greeley is an excellent choice for firefighters who prioritize quality of life and financial stability over maximum salary. It’s ideal for those looking to start a family or who value a strong sense of community. If you have your EMT-B or Paramedic license, you’ll be a competitive candidate. If you’re seeking a high-pace, big-city fire service with endless specialized teams, you might find Greeley limiting. For a balanced, sustainable career with a realistic cost of living, Greeley is a very solid bet.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get hired by Greeley-Evans FD?
Yes, it’s competitive. They often receive 200-300 applications per academy for 10-15 spots. Having your EMT-B and Firefighter I/II certifications before applying is almost essential. A clean background, strong references, and a solid performance on the CPAT and interview are key.

2. Do I need a college degree?
No, not for entry-level firefighter. However, a degree in Fire Science, EMS, or a related field is a significant advantage for promotion to officer ranks. Many departments offer tuition assistance.

3. What’s the shift schedule like?
Most Greeley departments use a 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off schedule (24/48). This is common across the U.S. and allows for significant time off between shifts.

4. How does the cost of living compare to other Colorado cities?
Greeley is one of the more affordable major cities in Northern Colorado. Compared to Denver (COL index ~130), your salary here has about 25% more purchasing power. Compared to Fort Collins (COL index ~105), it’s slightly more affordable.

5. Can I commute from Denver?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. A 60-90 minute commute each way, in heavy traffic on I-25, is grueling for a 24-hour shift job. It’s also expensive with gas. Living locally is strongly advised to be alert for your shifts and integrate into the department.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Colorado State Fire Marshal, Greeley-Evans Fire Department, Zillow Rent Data, BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census Bureau (Metro Population).