What is the starting salary for Pueblo police officers, firefighters and teachers?

With a median rental price of $1,275 per month in Pueblo, starting salaries can be a major factor in recruiting and retaining critical positions in the Pueblo community.

Here’s a look at starting salaries for Pueblo police officers, firefighters and teachers at the end of 2024.

How much does an entry-level police officer make in Pueblo?

The starting salary for a full-time Pueblo police patrol officer ranges from $71,470 to $87,185 per year with benefits, according to Governmentjobs.com.

The Pueblo Police Department is actively recruiting for its 2025 winter academy, with the current roster closing on December 8.

Applicants must pass a written and physical exam to be qualified under the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST).

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, applicants with qualifying experience prior to POST certification may be eligible for a higher entry pay rate and an abbreviated academy, according to the listing. “Eligible experience will be that of a state, county or municipal officer with a minimum of two years of patrol experience and Colorado POST certification or state equivalent,” the listing states.

Pueblo PD has been struggling with a labor shortage since the pandemic. According to the police department’s 2023 annual report, which was given to the city council during a work session in November, the department’s total calls for service increased between 2022 and 2023, from 140,120 to 143,612 — the highest total received since 2011, according to the annual report. At the same time, the number of employees – all non-active – increased from 206 to 175.

How much does a Pueblo firefighter make per year?

The starting salary for a Pueblo firefighter is $64,098 to $86,852 per year with benefits, according to the City of Pueblo careers website.

Among the requirements to become a Pueblo firefighter are possessing and maintaining certification on the Candidate Physical Fitness Test and successful completion of a 15-week training academy.

With a new fire station opening in June 2025, the Pueblo Fire Department is currently aiming to recruit 18 firefighters, with two academies in 2025. The first academy will begin in March, according to Fire Chief Barb Huber.

“We have an up-to-date recruiting list, but if we exhaust it, we will have to retire it,” Huber said. Huber said that while the fire department is required to hire from its current hiring list, anyone interested must complete an online interest card on the city’s website, “So if we need to test sooner, they will get a notification,” Huber said.

How much does a beginning teacher make in Pueblo?

New teachers, counselors and nurses in Pueblo School District 60 got a raise starting this school year, earning more than $48,000 the first year and more than $50,000 the next.

Base salary increases from $45,000 to $48,600 for the 2024-2025 academic year and from $48,600 to $50,500 for the 2025-2026 academic year were outlined in an agreement between Pueblo D60 administrators and the Pueblo Education Association (PEA) announced on May 23 of this year.

Under the terms of the 2024 agreement, educators receive a 2.2% raise for each year of experience through the tentative agreement. The 2.2% staggered increase must be applied in addition to an annual cost of living adjustment.

A National Education Association review of educator compensation in 2024 found that Colorado ranked 46th in the nation in starting teacher compensation. However, the base salaries outlined in the 2024 tentative agreement are significantly higher than the 2022-2023 Colorado average of $39,044 and the national average of $44,530.

It’s also higher than the $42,500 base teacher salary in neighboring Pueblo County District 70, which covers the county’s schools.

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This article was originally published on The Pueblo Chieftain: How much do firefighters, police and teachers make in Pueblo?