Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$50,170
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.12
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-12% vs US median
US median $56,870
State Rank
#10 of 15
210 employed here

How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make in Colorado?

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in Colorado take home a median of $50,170 annually — roughly $24.12 an hour — which runs 12% below the national median of $56,870.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $42,160 while the top 10% make $81,430 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,240 and $62,290 a year.

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$42,160$20.27
25th percentile (early career)$48,240$23.19
50th percentile (median)$50,170$24.12
75th percentile (experienced)$62,290$29.95
90th percentile (top earners)$81,430$39.15

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 10th out of 15 states and territories for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$97,370
2Utah$90,020
3Louisiana$75,480
4Oregon$73,530
5Maine$68,310

Working as Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in Colorado

Nationally, about 3,000 people work as Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($50,170) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make in Colorado?
The median Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists salary in Colorado is $50,170 per year, or about $24.12 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $42,160 at the entry level to $81,430 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists about 12% less than the national median of $56,870. Colorado ranks 10th out of 15 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $50,170 a year. About 210 Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists are employed in Colorado. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.