Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 4 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 3
Description: You must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate:.
- 4
Valid driver license from Colorado or another state or a commercial permit.
- 5
If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL.
- 6
Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP) are valid for 180 days, and are eligible for one renewal, which is also valid for 180 days.
Exam and processing details
- written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Medical Examiner in your area
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Revenue • Division of Motor Vehicles • CDL
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$76,560 median (29% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#7 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Commercial Learner's Permits (CLP) are valid for 180 days, and are eligible for one renewal, which is also valid for 180 days.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA...).
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Revenue~Division of Motor Vehicles~CDL and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $76,560, Firefighters in Colorado earn 29% above the national median of $59,530. Colorado ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 4 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$76,560Hourly estimate
$36.8129% above national median
Difference: +$17,030
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#7 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $76,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 4 years |
| Wyoming | $51,850 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-3 years |
| Nebraska | $61,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $44,060 | Specific course required | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $42,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $58,650 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $49,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Wyoming | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Revenue • Division of Motor Vehicles • CDL
1881 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO, 80214
Phone: 332055600
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $60,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $96,100 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $46,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 4 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Firefighter licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Colorado is $76,560. Salaries range from $47,030 (10th percentile) to $109,680 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Colorado earn 29% above the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $76,560.
How many Firefighters work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 6,170 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles / CDL. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.