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Average Firefighters Salary in Virginia

Firefighters in Virginia earn an impressive average annual salary of $58,510, significantly higher than the national average of $43,380. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Virginia's specific economic conditions, demand for essential services, and potentially higher operational costs for fire departments within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,220.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 10,820 and a Location Quotient of 1.24, indicating a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, Virginia presents a robust job market for this profession. The demand appears to be consistently strong, suggesting a stable and potentially growing employment landscape for skilled firefighters within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,510

The average Firefighters in Virginia earns+34.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.1

Weekly

$1,125

Monthly

$4,876

Firefighters Salary Distribution in Virginia

Salary progression for firefighters in Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of service can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$38,280$18.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$43,883$21.1
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$58,300$28
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$73,138$35.2
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$78,220$37.6

Detailed Firefighters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,702

Adjusted for COL (101.4)

The average annual salary of $58,510 in Virginia aligns closely with its Cost of Living Index of 101.4, which is only slightly above the national average of 100. This suggests that while the cost of living is marginally higher, the nominal salary provides a relatively strong purchasing power for firefighters residing in the state, offering a good balance between income and expenses.

Job Market Context

10,820

Total Jobs

2.661

Per 1K Jobs

1.24

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.24, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Firefighters roles compared to the national norm.

Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.24 signifies that the state has a higher concentration of firefighter jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This indicates a potentially competitive job market, but also suggests a strong and established demand for these services, making it an attractive location for those seeking employment in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Firefighters

CitySalaryDist.
Charlottesville, VA Firefighters Salary$46,070↓ 21%25 mi
Richmond, VA Firefighters Salary$63,320↑ 8%41 mi
Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Firefighters Salary$47,290↓ 19%56 mi
Harrisonburg, VA Firefighters Salary$42,640↓ 27%60 mi
Lynchburg, VA Firefighters Salary$42,960↓ 27%61 mi

Comparing salaries near Virginia

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Firefighters make in Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Firefighters in Virginia is $58,510. This typically ranges from $38,280 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 Virginia is 34.9% higher than the national median of $43,380.

Is Virginia a lucrative place for Firefighters?

Yes, Virginia offers a lucrative environment for firefighters.Firefighters in Virginia earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is only slightly higher, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Virginia a good place to live for Firefighters?

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($46,070) and Richmond, VA.

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

Firefighters in Virginia earn an average of $58,510 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,380.

What is the concentration of firefighters in Virginia?

Virginia has a higher concentration of firefighters than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.24, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the cost of living in Virginia affect firefighter salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's slightly higher cost of living is well-compensated by the above-average firefighter salaries, maintaining good purchasing power.

What is the total number of firefighters employed in Virginia?

There are approximately 10,820 firefighters employed within Virginia, reflecting a substantial workforce dedicated to public safety.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,820 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 2.661 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 Virginia