Firefighter Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Firefighters in Virginia earn an average of $58,300 per year ($28.03/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 10,820 firefighters.
Firefighter salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $938. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Access to major East Coast metros gives Virginia firefighters access to higher-paying employers.
Virginia Firefighter 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 Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $58,300.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Virginia
Firefighter Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for firefighters in Virginia: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $64,700 | $31.11 | +11.0% | 3,786 |
| Norfolk | $61,800 | $29.71 | +6.0% | 3,029 |
| Chesapeake | $60,050 | $28.87 | +3.0% | 1,947 |
| Richmond | $55,950 | $26.90 | -4.0% | 973 |
| Arlington | $53,050 | $25.50 | -9.0% | 649 |
| Alexandria | $50,700 | $24.38 | -13.0% | 432 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest firefighter salaries in Virginia at $64,700/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 firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Virginia firefighters access to higher-paying employers.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Virginia typically adds $47,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays firefighters $64,700/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. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency 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 firefighters $41,500/yr — -28.8% vs Virginia.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→