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Paramedic Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Virginia pays paramedics a median wage of $58,570 per year — that's $28.16/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 1,690 paramedics make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Paramedic salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $165. 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 paramedics.

Virginia Paramedic Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter 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%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$58,570
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$46,765

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 Paramedic Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $58,570.

Your annual salary ($)

Paramedic Salary by Experience — Virginia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$36,300/yr · $17.45/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Virginia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$52,127/yr · $25.06/hr
Established professional working independently in Virginia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$65,012/yr · $31.26/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Virginia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$84,300+/yr · $40.53/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Virginia.
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Paramedic Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Paramedic 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.

2021
$51,424
2022
$54,411
+5.8%
2023
$56,930
+4.6%
2024
$57,867
+1.6%
2026
$58,570
+1.2%

Paramedic Salary by City — Virginia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Virginia Beach$65,000$31.25+11.0%591
Norfolk$62,100$29.86+6.0%473
Chesapeake$60,350$29.01+3.0%304
Richmond$56,250$27.04-4.0%152
Arlington$53,300$25.62-9.0%101
Alexandria$50,950$24.50-13.0%67

Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest paramedic salaries in Virginia at $65,000/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for paramedics.

Virginia — 5.75% state income tax$58,570 gross~$46,765 take-home
West Virginia — 6.5%$48,190 gross-17.7% vs VA
Maryland — 5.75%$67,670 gross+15.5% vs VA
North Carolina — 4.5%$51,110 gross-12.7% vs VA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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Paramedic Job Outlook in Virginia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,690Currently employed
169+New jobs projected

Employment for paramedics 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 paramedics.

How to Earn More as a Paramedic in Virginia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a paramedic in Virginia typically adds $48,000 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 paramedics $65,000/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. Paramedics 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 paramedics $48,190/yr — -17.7% vs Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a paramedic earn in Virginia on average?
The average paramedic salary in Virginia is $58,570 per year, or $28.16 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $36,300 while experienced professionals earn $84,300 or more.
Where do paramedics earn the most in Virginia?
Virginia Beach pays paramedics the most in Virginia at an average of $65,000 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Virginia paramedic salary compare to the national average?
Virginia paramedic salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $165. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
How much do paramedics actually take home after taxes in Virginia?
A paramedic earning the Virginia average of $58,570 takes home approximately $46,765 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Should you become a paramedic in Virginia?
Yes. Paramedic is a strong career choice in Virginia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Virginia's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for paramedics.
How do you become a licensed paramedic in Virginia?
In Virginia, paramedics are licensed through the State EMS Licensing Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State EMS Licensing Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.