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Average Firefighters Salary in Richmond, VA

Firefighters in Richmond, VA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $63,320, significantly exceeding the national average of $43,380. This higher compensation in Richmond can be attributed to a combination of local demand, the critical nature of the role, and potentially regional economic factors influencing public service wages.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,220.
  • Outlook: Richmond, VA, presents a robust job market for firefighters, evidenced by a total local workforce of 1,960 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.39 indicates a higher concentration of firefighters in Richmond compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand and a stable employment landscape for these essential workers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,320

The average Firefighters in Richmond, VA earns+46.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.4

Weekly

$1,218

Monthly

$5,277

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

Salary progression for firefighters in Richmond, VA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with years of service and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the fire service.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$38,510$18.5
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$47,490$22.8
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$61,510$29.6
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$79,150$38.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$78,220$37.6

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,320

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $63,320 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a firefighter's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,960

Total Jobs

3.002

Per 1K Jobs

1.39

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.39, Richmond, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.39, Richmond, VA, demonstrates a notable concentration of firefighters relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is not only stable but potentially more competitive or offers more opportunities than in many other regions, indicating a healthy demand for this critical profession.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$49,390↓ 22%41 mi
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$44,480↓ 30%41 mi
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$42,580↓ 33%41 mi
Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$43,500↓ 31%41 mi
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Firefighters Salary$31,920↓ 50%41 mi

Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Richmond, VA is $63,320. This typically ranges from $38,510 for entry-level positions to $78,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 46.0% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Richmond, VA offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Richmond earn substantially more than the national average, and their salary holds its value due to a cost of living that matches the national index.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($49,390) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

How does Richmond's firefighter salary compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Richmond, VA, earn an average of $63,320 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA has a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.39.

Does the cost of living affect firefighter salaries in Richmond, VA?

No, the cost of living in Richmond is at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary directly translates to equivalent purchasing power.

How many firefighters are employed in Richmond, VA?

There are approximately 1,960 firefighters employed in Richmond, VA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,960 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 3.002 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Firefighters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA