On average, candidates who have completed Colorado EMT exam preparation and gone on to pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) test earn $23.16 per hour, which is 9% higher than the national average. There is, of course, a scale where newly qualified or junior EMTs in Colorado tend to earn from $18.45 per hour, whereas senior EMTs with greater experience or specialisms can make up to $33.72 per hour.
While a range of factors will influence your earning potential, pursuing a career as a Colorado EMT is a great way to become a high-demand emergency medical professional, whether you’d love to work in an ambulance crew, a hospital setting, or even within a ski resort or mountain rescue team!
Where in Colorado Do EMTs Earn the Highest Salaries?
Average salaries can differ between cities and counties, with EMTs typically earning the highest pay per hour in larger metropolitan areas. The latest data indicates that average earnings are the highest in these Colorado cities:
- Loveland: $30.15 per hour
- Colorado Springs: $29.34 per hour
- Greeley: $29.30 per hour
- Boulder: $28.98 per hour
- Denver: $23.80 per hour
Working night shifts or accepting on-call duties can attract higher pay, as can roles that are in sustained demand or where applicants need specific skills. In Colorado, this includes those required in ski patrol services, emergency medical teams that operate in the busiest resorts like Vail, Aspen, and Keystone, and rescue teams that cover Rocky Mountain National Park.
What Does Studying to Become a Colorado EMT Involve?
Junior EMTs in Colorado earn 9% above the national average pay, which reflects the time required to achieve the certification and state licensure to work as an emergency medical professional.
How long does it take to become an EMT in Colorado? Much might depend on the duration of your chosen EMT course and how much time you need to spend on thorough exam prep, but most people spend at least six months to a year achieving their initial qualification.
This involves:
- Attending a recognized EMT school or program, with courses lasting from a few weeks to four or five months
- Preparing for the exam. Candidates normally spend at least eight weeks reinforcing their knowledge and refining their test technique
- Taking the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) cognitive test
- Applying for state licensure with background checks that can take a few weeks to process
Once qualified, EMTs also need to recertify every two to three years to retain their status, depending on the recertification or renewal route they pick. This means they can continue gaining experience, work towards more senior positions, or potentially study for the AEMT exam when ready to take the next step up.
Is Becoming an EMT a Good Career Option in Colorado?
EMTs work in high-stress environments, and any emergency medical professional’s day-to-day role can be emotionally and physically demanding, but these positions are also highly rewarding.
Job stability is a big aspect. EMTs are always needed and have numerous opportunities to upskill or advance their careers. Certification can be a stepping stone to more advanced roles like AEMT or paramedic, or a pathway to acquiring specialisms to work in a specific environment.
Qualified EMTs also have a uniquely diverse role. No two days are the same, and professionals make a real difference to the lives of their patients and communities, whether working in a flexible or part-time role or as a full-time Colorado EMT.
