Firefighter in Lakewood, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Before you pack your gear and head west, let's talk numbers. As a Firefighter in Lakewood, CO, the financial reality is a mix of solid middle-class earnings and the high cost of living that defines the Front Range. The median salary for a Firefighter here is $58,062/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.91/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $57,120/year, which is a critical distinction to make. In many cities, a salary above the national average means you're doing well. In the Denver Metro area, it means you're keeping pace.

It's important to understand where you fall on the experience spectrum. While the median is a useful benchmark, your actual earnings will climb with tenure and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on years in the field.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Years of Service	Estimated Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$48,000 - $55,000	Starting base pay, may include "step" increases annually. Often works as a Firefighter/EMT or Firefighter/Paramedic.
Mid-Level	4-10 years	$58,000 - $68,000	Reaches median salary. May hold a position like Engineer (driver/operator) or be a key member of a rescue team.
Senior	11-20 years	$68,000 - $80,000	Eligible for promotions to Captain, Lieutenant, or specialized technical roles (HazMat, Dive). Seniority pay steps kick in.
Expert/Specialist	20+ years	$80,000 - $95,000+	Battalion Chief, Division Chief, Fire Marshal, or specialist with certified credentials (paramedic, hazmat, fire inspector).

Insider Tip: The Lakewood Fire Department (LFD) is part of the "Metro District" system, which often has a structured pay scale with guaranteed annual step increases. This is a huge advantage over departments with stagnant pay. Always ask for a copy of the bargaining unit agreement during the hiring process to understand the exact step plan.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Context is everything. How does Lakewood stack up against its neighbors?

• Denver: Denver Firefighters typically earn a higher median salary, often in the $65,000 - $72,000 range for mid-career, but the cost of living in Denver proper is even more intense. Commuting from Lakewood to a Denver station is common.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries in the Springs are often comparable to Lakewood ($56,000 - $62,000 median), but the cost of living index is generally lower (around 103), making your dollar stretch further. It's a more affordable option if you're willing to relocate.
• Fort Collins: A smaller city with a major university. Firefighter salaries here are also in the Lakewood ballpark ($57,000 - $63,000), but the community is more insulated and the job market is smaller.

The key takeaway: Lakewood offers a competitive salary within the Denver Metro area, but you must pair it with a realistic financial plan. The $58,062 median is a starting point for a stable career, not a ticket to easy living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about your budget. A gross salary of $58,062 doesn't translate directly to take-home pay. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $3,750 - $3,850. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on your withholding and benefits.

Now, let's layer in the biggest expense: rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lakewood is $1,835/month. This is non-negotiable for most newcomers. Here’s what a typical monthly budget looks like for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $58,062/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Reality Check
Net Pay (After Taxes)	$3,800	Assumes single filer, no dependents.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,835	48% of take-home pay. This is the high end of what's considered affordable.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Int)	$150 - $200	Varies by season (higher in winter for gas heat).
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $500	Colorado has high car insurance rates. Many firefighters have a reliable vehicle.
Food & Groceries	$400 - $500	Cooking at home is essential.
Fuel & Commute	$150 - $200	Most firefighters live within a 30-minute drive.
Health Insurance	$200 - $300	Often covered by the department, but you'll pay for dependents.
Retirement/401k	$200 - $300	Crucial. LFD likely has a pension; contributing extra is wise.
Miscellaneous (Gear, etc.)	$200 - $300	Personal protective equipment, station lunches, gear maintenance.
Leftover	~$0 - $150	This is the reality. You're living paycheck-to-paycheck on a single income.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median salary of $58,062? It's a significant challenge. The median home price in Lakewood is currently around $550,000. To qualify for a traditional mortgage, you'd need a down payment and a debt-to-income ratio that's difficult to manage on this salary alone. Most firefighters here either:

1. House-Hack: Buy a duplex or a home with rental potential to offset the mortgage.
2. Partner Up: Dual-income households are the norm for homeownership.
3. Wait It Out: Build equity through promotions and salary increases over 5-10 years.

Insider Tip: A key financial strategy for Colorado firefighters is to take advantage of the 5280 TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) or state retirement systems. Many departments offer a 457(b) plan in addition to the pension. Start contributing from day one, even if it's just 1-2%. The compound interest, especially with a state match, is a powerful tool for long-term wealth.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood isn't just a single-department town. It's a hub for fire and emergency services. The 4% 10-year job growth for firefighters in the metro area indicates steady, but not explosive, opportunity. Here are the primary employers you should be targeting:

1. Lakewood Fire Department (LFD): The largest local employer. As a Class 1 ISO rated department, they run 11 stations and operate a mix of ladder, engine, and rescue companies. They hire consistently but competition is fierce. They are known for their technical rescue and hazmat capabilities. Hiring Trend: Focus on recruiting paramedics and those with military/veteran status.
2. West Metro Fire Rescue (District 3): Covers parts of Lakewood, including the highly populated Belmar area. They are a strong, progressive agency with a focus on community risk reduction. They have excellent equipment and a strong union. Hiring Trend: They value community engagement and have a robust volunteer/retained firefighter program for nearby communities.
3. Denver Fire Department: While based in Denver, many Lakewood residents commute to DFD stations. The pay is higher, the call volume is immense, and the experience is unparalleled. It's a grueling but rewarding career path. Hiring Trend: DFD is one of the largest departments in the state and hires frequently, but the process is long and highly competitive.
4. South Metro Fire Rescue: Covers the southern suburbs (Littleton, Englewood, Centennial). They are a consolidated district known for being one of the highest-paying departments in the metro area. While not directly in Lakewood, it's a top-tier destination for ambitious firefighters. Hiring Trend: They are in a growth phase, expanding services and building new stations.
5. Jefferson County Fire & Emergency Services (JeffCo): Protects unincorporated areas of the county, including the foothills and mountain communities west of Lakewood. They are a major employer for wildland and structural firefighting, offering a unique blend of urban and wildland response. Hiring Trend: Increasing focus on wildland fire mitigation due to climate change.
6. Colorado Department of Fire Prevention & Control (CDFPC): A state-level agency that provides specialized services (aircraft rescue, wildfire response, training). It's a great career path for those interested in fire investigation or instruction. Hiring Trend: Stable, with growth in wildfire management roles.
7. Private Industrial Fire Brigades: Companies like Lockheed Martin (nearby in Jefferson County) and Dow Chemical (in nearby Commerce City) maintain their own fire brigades. These roles are often higher-paying but more niche. Hiring Trend: Tied to specific industry fluctuations.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado has a clear, tiered licensing system managed by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). Here’s the path to getting your credentials:

Required Certifications:

1. Firefighter I (FF I): The foundational certification for structural firefighting. This is typically earned through a 160-hour academy.
2. Firefighter II (FF II): Builds on FF I with advanced skills. Often combined into a single academy.
3. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic: This is non-negotiable. The vast majority of calls in Lakewood are medical. Being a certified Paramedic significantly boosts your hireability and starting pay.
4. Hazmat Awareness/Operations: Required for most departments.

Costs & Timeline:

• Fire Academy: A full-time, state-approved academy can cost $5,000 - $10,000. Many community colleges offer these (e.g., Red Rocks Community College, Front Range Community College). Some departments may sponsor you through their academy if hired.
• EMT/Paramedic School: EMT can cost $1,500 - $3,000. Paramedic school is a longer commitment (9-12 months) and can cost $8,000 - $15,000.
• Timeline: From scratch, expect 12-18 months to complete EMT and a Fire Academy. Adding Paramedic can extend it to 2+ years.

Insider Tip: Do not move to Colorado expecting to get hired without paramedic certification. It's the single biggest differentiator. Take your EMT course in your home state, then consider moving to Colorado for paramedic school, as the clinical opportunities are exceptional. The DFPC website is the official source for all requirements and exam schedules.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Finding the right home base is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and cost. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Belmar / Union	Urban, walkable, young professional. Close to I-25 & I-70. 10-20 min to most LFD stations.	$1,750 - $1,950	High-density housing, great amenities (gym, shops), easy commute. Can be noisy.
Central Lakewood (e.g., Cloverdale)	Quiet, residential, older homes. 15-25 min commute. More single-family rentals.	$1,600 - $1,800	More affordable, family-friendly, true Lakewood feel. You'll need a car.
Green Mountain / Rooney Road	Near the foothills, more suburban. 20-30 min commute to downtown stations.	$1,800 - $2,000	Access to hiking and trails, quieter, great for outdoor enthusiasts. Further from amenities.
Wheat Ridge (Border)	A separate city but borders Lakewood. Older, established neighborhoods. 15-25 min commute.	$1,550 - $1,750	Often cheaper than Lakewood proper, with smaller-town feel. Good option for a longer-term home.
East Lakewood (e.g., Bear Creek)	Mix of older homes and apartments. Close to hiking trails and the South Platte River. 10-20 min commute.	$1,700 - $1,900	Great outdoor access, decent value. Can be further from grocery stores and shopping.

Insider Tip: When looking for housing, check the proximity to your potential station. A 10-minute difference in a commute can mean the difference between a quick on-call reminder and a stressful, traffic-filled drive. If you're applying to a specific department, call their HR and ask where most of their firefighters live. They often know the best-kept secrets.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter career in Lakewood is a marathon, not a sprint. Your path to a higher salary and more responsibility is structured and predictable.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Paramedic: The highest-value skill. Departments often offer a $3,000 - $6,000 annual premium for paramedic certification. This is your fastest path to a higher base pay.
• Technical Rescue: Certifications in Confined Space, High Angle, and Swift Water Rescue open doors to specialized teams, which often come with a pay differential.
• Hazmat Technician: A highly sought-after certification for major incidents.
• Promotional Ladder: The standard path is Engineer (Driver) -> Lieutenant -> Captain -> Battalion Chief. Each comes with a significant pay bump. Testing is competitive and requires additional training.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth is steady, driven by population growth and replacement of retiring firefighters (a large cohort is aging out). Wildfire risk in Colorado is a permanent, growing threat, which may spur more funding for departments and new positions focused on mitigation and community education. Automation will not impact this job; in fact, the need for skilled human responders is increasing. Your long-term security is high if you maintain your certifications and physical fitness.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

This is a personal calculation. Lakewood offers a fantastic career in a dynamic city, but it requires a clear-eyed view of the financial and lifestyle trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary within the metro area.	High Cost of Living (rent eats ~50% of take-home pay).
Stable Job Market with a 4% growth outlook.	Homeownership is a long-term goal, not an immediate possibility on a single income.
Access to Top-Tier Training and career advancement.	Fierce Competition for jobs, especially with paramedic requirement.
Unmatched Outdoor Access (hiking, skiing, climbing).	Traffic can be a major factor for commutes and responses.
Strong Community of firefighters across multiple districts.	Wildfire Risk is a real, year-round threat in the region.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for a disciplined, financially savvy firefighter who is either:

1. Early in their career (0-5 years) and willing to live modestly while investing in their future.
2. A paramedic (or will be one) ready to command a higher starting salary.
3. Part of a dual-income household (partner, spouse) where the combined income makes home ownership feasible.

If you're a single-income household without paramedic certification, the financial strain will be significant. However, if you can navigate the first few years, Lakewood provides a clear, rewarding path to a long and successful career in one of the most vibrant regions in the country.

FAQs

1. How competitive is it to get hired by Lakewood Fire Department?
Extremely competitive. They receive hundreds of applications for a handful of spots. Having your EMT-P (paramedic) certification is almost essential. A clean driving record, military service, and college degrees (especially in fire science or EMS) can give you an edge. The process includes written exams, CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), interviews, and a thorough background check.

2. Is it worth it to get my paramedic certification before moving?
Yes, absolutely. It's the single biggest factor in getting hired quickly and securing a higher starting salary. Colorado has excellent paramedic programs (like those at Red Rocks CC or Arapahoe Community College), but completing it in your home state first can save you time and money on housing and living expenses.

3. What's the weather like, and how does it affect the job?
Lakewood has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with snow (which means more car accidents and cardiac events). Summers are hot and dry, with an elevated wildfire risk. The climate is generally sunny, which is good for morale but requires vigilance for skin cancer and eye protection. You'll need a full wardrobe of gear for all conditions.

4. Can I live in Lakewood on a firefighter's salary?
Yes,