Paramedic in Colorado

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$43,950

trending_up +6.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering

3,420

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$186

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in Colorado

To become a certified Paramedic in Colorado, individuals must complete a state-approved Paramedic program and obtain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic certification. This involves passing both the NREMT cognitive exam (costing $175) and, prior to July 1, 2024, a psychomotor exam. Applicants then apply for state certification through the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Health Facilities & EMS Division, which also requires a fingerprint-based background check. Colorado utilizes a three-year renewal cycle, requiring 50 hours of continuing education or maintaining NREMT certification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,900

25th percentile $39,000

50th (median) $43,950

75th percentile $48,160

90th (experienced) $51,950

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing body	Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Health Facilities & EMS Division
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($175)
Application fee	$10
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	50.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is not explicitly stated for Paramedics by CDPHE, but NREMT certification (a prerequisite) generally requires applicants to be 18 years old. A fingerprint-based criminal history record information search (background check) is required. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification or completing 50 hours of continuing education with coverage of mandated topics. CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is also required.

Source: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Health Facilities & EMS Division

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a paramedic in Colorado? expand_more

The path to paramedic licensure in Colorado: complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($10 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a paramedic in Colorado? expand_more

Yes, Colorado requires a state license to practice as a paramedic. The licensing body is Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Health Facilities & EMS Division. You must pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).

How much do paramedics make in Colorado? expand_more

The median paramedic salary in Colorado is $43,950 per year. — 6% higher than the $41,340 national figure. Wages range from $37,900 (10th percentile) up to $51,950 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a paramedic in Colorado? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($175) and application fee ($10) and required training.

How many months or years does paramedic certification take in Colorado? expand_more

In Colorado, becoming a paramedic generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Colorado require continuing education for paramedics? expand_more

Yes — paramedics in Colorado must complete 50.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.

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