EMT Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median emt salary in Virginia is $45,060 per year, equivalent to $21.66/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Virginia employs approximately 3,780 emts statewide.
EMT salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $3,715. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for emts.
Virginia EMT Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia EMT Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $45,060.
EMT Salary by Experience — Virginia
EMT Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataEMT salaries in Virginia have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's emergency medical services.
EMT Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $50,000 | $24.04 | +11.0% | 1,323 |
| Norfolk | $47,750 | $22.96 | +6.0% | 1,058 |
| Chesapeake | $46,400 | $22.31 | +3.0% | 680 |
| Richmond | $43,250 | $20.79 | -4.0% | 340 |
| Arlington | $41,000 | $19.71 | -9.0% | 226 |
| Alexandria | $39,200 | $18.85 | -13.0% | 151 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest emt salaries in Virginia at $50,000/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for emts.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
EMT Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for emts in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for emts.
How to Earn More as an EMT in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an emt in Virginia typically adds $37,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays emts $50,000/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. EMTs who specialise in emergency medical services typically command premium rates in Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays emts $35,060/yr — -22.2% vs Virginia.
Find EMT Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current emt job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 EMT jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 EMT jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 EMT jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→