Firefighter in Longmont, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Longmont, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Longmont Stands

As a firefighter in Longmont, you're looking at a median salary of $57,102 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.45 per hour. This figure is nearly identical to the national average of $57,120 per year, meaning Longmont offers a competitive wage that aligns with the broader market. However, it's crucial to understand that this median number represents a mix of entry-level and seasoned personnel. The local job market is stable but not explosive; with 198 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 4%, opportunities are steady but you'll need to be patient and persistent.

Longmont is part of the Boulder County metro area, where the cost of living is high, but the salary can support a solid middle-class lifestyle if you manage your budget carefully. Unlike Denver or Boulder, Longmont provides a slightly more affordable entry point into Colorado fire service while still being close to the action.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Fire service pay is heavily structured by rank and time on the job. While the median is $57,102, your actual earnings will climb with each promotion. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local departments like the Longmont Fire Department (LFD) and neighboring agencies:

Experience Level	Typical Rank	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	Firefighter I/II, Probationary	$52,000 - $60,000
Mid-Career	Engineer, Lieutenant	$65,000 - $78,000
Senior	Captain, Training Officer	$80,000 - $95,000
Expert/Leadership	Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief	$100,000 - $125,000+

Insider Tip: Longmont Fire Department (LFD) offers a step-and-grade pay system. Starting salaries are modest, but longevity pay and promotion opportunities can significantly boost your income over time. Always review the specific department's contract for the most accurate pay scales.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

How does Longmont stack up against other Front Range cities? While the salary is competitive nationally, it's important to see the broader Colorado context.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Context
Longmont	$57,102	Slightly below US avg (99.9)
Denver	$62,000 - $68,000	15-20% above US avg
Boulder	$60,000 - $75,000	40%+ above US avg (very high)
Fort Collins	$58,000 - $65,000	~10% above US avg
Greeley	$55,000 - $60,000	~5% below US avg

Longmont sits in a "sweet spot." You earn a wage comparable to Boulder and Denver but avoid their extreme housing costs. Your paycheck will go further here than in Boulder (where a similar job might pay slightly more but rent is often double) and you're only 30 minutes from Denver for specialized training or opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $57,102, your take-home pay after federal, state (Colorado has a flat income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $44,500 to $45,500 per year, or about $3,700 to $3,800 per month. This is an estimate and can vary based on your filing status, 401k/retirement contributions, and health insurance deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Firefighter

Longmont's average 1BR rent is $1,548/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 99.9 (US average = 100). This means your housing is the biggest expense, but overall costs are nearly on par with the national average.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,548	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$200 - $250	Older apartments can be less efficient
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Public transit is limited; a car is a must
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Healthcare (Co-pays/Insurance)	$150 - $250	Often covered well by municipal plans
Retirement Savings (10%)	$370	Critical for long-term stability
Discretionary (Food out, etc.)	$300 - $400
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,368 - $3,868	Tight but manageable on a single income

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but not impossible, especially with a dual-income household. The median home price in Longmont is around $550,000. With a 10% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $3,100 (including taxes/insurance), which is likely unaffordable on a single $57,102 salary after other expenses. However, many firefighters move to Longmont with a spouse/partner or after several years of promotion, making homeownership a realistic 5-10 year goal. Consider starting in a more affordable apartment, saving aggressively, and buying in a neighboring area like Erie or Firestone once promoted.

Where the Jobs Are: Longmont's Major Employers

The primary employer is the Longmont Fire Department (LFD), which serves the city with a mix of career and reserve positions. However, the broader region offers several opportunities.

1. Longmont Fire Department (LFD): The main game in town. They operate 5 fire stations and provide full-service EMS. LFD is known for its technical rescue capabilities (swift water, high-angle) given its proximity to the St. Vrain Creek and foothills. Hiring is periodic; they typically run a competitive testing process every 1-2 years.
2. Boulder County Fire Protection District: This county-wide district covers unincorporated areas and some smaller towns around Longmont. They often have hiring needs due to growth in areas like Gunbarrel and Superior. Their pay is very competitive with LFD.
3. Hygiene Fire Protection District: A smaller, community-focused district just northwest of Longmont. They offer a tight-knit crew environment and often hire for both full-time and reserve positions. A great place to get your foot in the door.
4. Longmont United Hospital (LUH): While not a fire department, LUH is a major trauma center and a key employer for paramedics. Fire departments often partner with them for EMS training and hiring. LUH's emergency department is a common clinical rotation site for firefighter-paramedics.
5. Front Range Community College (FRCC - Longmont Campus): FRCC offers EMT and Fire Science programs. It's a pipeline for new recruits and a place for current firefighters to get continuing education credits. The campus itself is also a potential client for fire inspection services.
6. City of Longmont: The city government itself is a massive employer. Beyond LFD, the Public Works department, Parks & Recreation, and the Utilities department all have risk management and safety roles that can value fire service experience.
7. Off-Road Fire Protection District: Covering the mountainous areas west of Longmont (like Lyons), this district provides wildland fire and technical rescue. It's a specialized niche and requires additional training (S-130, S-190) but is a great fit for those who want a mix of structural and wildland firefighting.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward paramedic certification. Most departments in Colorado, including LFD, are prioritizing applicants with a current paramedic license. If you're an EMT, getting your paramedic card before applying can significantly boost your chances. Additionally, there's a steady demand for bilingual (Spanish/English) firefighters to serve Longmont's growing Hispanic population.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has a structured but manageable licensing process, managed by the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC).

1. Basic Certification (Firefighter I/II): You must be certified through an accredited academy. This typically involves 180-200 hours of training. If you're already certified in another state, Colorado has reciprocity, but you must apply through the DFPC. Cost: $500-$2,000 for the academy (if not hired), or covered by the hiring department.
2. EMT/Paramedic License: In Colorado, your fire certification is separate from your medical certification. You must obtain an EMT-Basic or Paramedic license through the Colorado Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). This involves passing a state exam. Cost: EMT course ($1,000-$1,500), Paramedic course ($5,000-$8,000). Many departments will hire you as an EMT and put you through paramedic school.
3. Driver/Operator Certification: To drive a fire truck, you need Pump Operator and Aerial Operator endorsements. This is usually provided by the hiring department once you're on the job.
4. Wildland Certification (Optional but Valuable): For jobs like Off-Road or Boulder County, you'll need NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) certifications (S-130, S-190, S-210, L-180). These can be obtained through the USDA Forest Service or through department-specific training. Cost: Often free if provided by the agency, or $200-$500 for a non-affiliated course.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a certified firefighter/EMT: 3-6 months to apply, test, and interview. The biggest variable is the hiring timeline of the specific department.
• If you need Fire I/II and EMT: 9-12 months is a realistic minimum. Attend Front Range CC's program or a similar accredited academy. Start applying for jobs as soon as you pass your EMT exam.
• Pro Tip: Take the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) early. It's a standard physical test for fire jobs in Colorado. Many departments, including LFD, require it. Train specifically for it—running stairs, dragging hoses, and carrying weights. Passing it first time shows you're serious.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Longmont's neighborhoods offer varied lifestyles and commute times to fire stations (primarily Station 1 on Main St., and others on the west and east sides).

1. Old Town (Central Longmont): The heart of the city. Walkable, with great restaurants and a historic vibe. Most fire stations are within a 10-minute drive. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR apartment or older cottage. Insider Tip: Parking can be tough in Old Town; look for places with a dedicated off-street spot if you have a take-home vehicle.*
2. Southgate (South Central): A mix of post-war ranches and newer townhomes. Quiet, family-friendly, and close to the south side station. Easy access to Highway 119 for commuting to Boulder or Denver. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,650 for a modern 1BR or 2BR apartment.
3. Meadow View (East Side): A newer suburban development with parks and good schools. Slightly further from the downtown core, but a straight shot to Station 2 (east side). Very popular with young firefighters starting families. Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,700 for a 1BR in a newer complex.
4. Sunset (West Side): Nestled against the foothills, this area offers incredible views and quick access to trailheads for off-duty hiking. It's a quieter, more rural-feeling part of Longmont. Commute to the west-side stations (like Station 5) is minimal. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800 for a 1BR with mountain views. Higher due to location.
5. Twin Peaks (Northwest): A blend of older and newer homes, close to the recreation center and the St. Vrain Creek trail system. A great balance of convenience and outdoor access. Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,600 for a 1BR apartment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Longmont offers a solid career ladder, but advancement requires initiative and specialization.

Specialty Premiums: LFD and surrounding districts offer pay incentives for special skills. Expect a 3-5% pay bump for being a certified paramedic. A Driver/Operator certification can add another 2-4%. Specialists in Technical Rescue (TR), HazMat, or Wildland often see additional certifications or premium pay for those assignments. Getting certified as a Fire Inspector or Fire Investigator opens doors to administrative roles within the department or city code enforcement.

Advancement Path: The typical path is Firefighter → Engineer (driving/pumping) → Lieutenant (company officer) → Captain (shift commander) → Battalion Chief (unit commander). Each promotion requires passing a competitive exam and interview. Leadership training through the National Fire Academy or Colorado State Fire Training is highly recommended.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate in the metro area, the market is steady. The biggest factor will be the 2026-2030 retirement wave of senior firefighters from the Front Range. Departments will be hiring to backfill. Your best bet for long-term growth is to become a paramedic and consider specialty training in technical rescue (given Longmont's proximity to the mountains) or wildland fire. The trend is moving toward all-hazards response, so versatility is key. A firefighter with 10 years of experience in Longmont can realistically reach the Captain or Lieutenant level, with a salary in the $80,000 - $95,000 range.

The Verdict: Is Longmont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Boulder County Lifestyle: Your $57,102 salary goes much further here than in Boulder or Denver.	Competitive Hiring: Getting into LFD or a top district is tough; you need to be a top candidate.
Diverse Firefighting Opportunities: From urban structure fire to wildland and technical rescue in the foothills.	Cost of Living is Still High: While better than neighbors, rent and home prices are above the US average.
Strong Community Feel: Longmont has a tight-knit, supportive community that appreciates its first responders.	Commuting for Specialized Roles: If you need to work for a different district (like Off-Road), your commute may increase.
Proximity to Major Cities: 30 mins to Boulder, 45 mins to Denver for training, entertainment, or spousal job opportunities.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Compared to Denver or Boulder, Longmont is quieter, which can be a pro or a con.
Stable Job Market: With a 4% growth rate and 198 existing jobs, the region is a reliable bet for a long-term career.	Physical Demands: The altitude (5,000 ft) can be challenging for new recruits; CPAT readiness is non-negotiable.

Final Recommendation: Longmont is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values a balanced lifestyle, access to the outdoors, and a stable career with a reasonable cost of living. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home eventually or new recruits willing to start in a competitive market for the chance at a great quality of life. If you're seeking the highest possible salary immediately, look to Denver. If you want the best value for your salary and a community that will have your back, Longmont is a top contender.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a paramedic to get hired in Longmont?
It's not an absolute requirement for every department, but it is a massive advantage. LFD and most Boulder County districts prioritize paramedic-certified applicants. If you're a basic EMT, your chances are lower, but not zero. Many departments will hire you as an EMT and sponsor you through paramedic school.

2. What is the cost of living in Longmont compared to Denver?
Longmont is about 15-20% cheaper than Denver, primarily due to housing. While a similar apartment in Denver might cost $1,800-$2,200, Longmont's average is $1,548. Other costs (groceries, utilities) are similar. Your $57,102 salary will afford a better standard of living in Longmont.

3. How competitive is the hiring process for Longmont Fire?
Very competitive. LFD typically receives hundreds of applications for a handful of spots. To stand out, you must have: a clean background, excellent physical fitness (pass the CPAT), EMT certification (paramedic is better), and strong interview skills. Volunteering with a local district (like Hygiene) can give you a critical edge.

**4. What is the housing market