Firefighter Salary in Virginia
Based on 11K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$58,670
$28.21/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+1.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $77K
11K employed in Virginia
The median Firefighter salary in Virginia is $58,670 per year, which translates to approximately $28 per hour. This figure is 1.9% higher than the national average for this profession. Currently, there are 11,160 employed firefighters across the state.
Several factors can influence a firefighter's earnings in Virginia. These include years of experience, the specific fire department or municipality they work for, and any specialized certifications or training they possess. The salary range for firefighters in Virginia typically falls between $38,310 and $77,310 annually.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,310 |
| 25th percentile | $46,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,670 |
| 75th percentile | $70,530 |
| 90th percentile | $77,310 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,430 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,670 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,430 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $70,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,310 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Firefighter ($58,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in VA | $65,870 | +12.3% | $31.67/hr |
| Security Guard in VA | $43,640 | -25.6% | $20.98/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in VA | $59,330 | +1.1% | $28.52/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in VA | $59,880 | +2.1% | $28.79/hr |
| Data Analyst in VA | $59,990 | +2.2% | $28.84/hr |
| Plumber in VA | $60,470 | +3.1% | $29.07/hr |
| Truck Driver in VA | $56,860 | -3.1% | $27.34/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in VA | $60,520 | +3.2% | $29.10/hr |
| Interior Designer in VA | $62,560 | +6.6% | $30.08/hr |
| Electrician in VA | $62,900 | +7.2% | $30.24/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in VA | $62,910 | +7.2% | $30.25/hr |
| Title Examiner in VA | $54,230 | -7.6% | $26.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Virginia?
- The median salary for a firefighter in Virginia is $58,670 per year. This means half of all firefighters earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Virginia?
- Firefighter salaries in Virginia can range from $38,310 on the lower end to $77,310 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and responsibilities.
How does a firefighter's salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Virginia are slightly above the national average, by 1.9%. This means that, on average, firefighters in Virginia earn more than their counterparts across the country.
How many firefighters are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 11,160 firefighters employed in Virginia. This number indicates the overall size of the firefighting workforce within the state.