Public Service Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Firefighter Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median firefighter salary in Arlington, VA is $68,218 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$68,218
vs State Avg
+$14,471
vs National
+$16,538
Cost of Living
132%

Firefighter Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median firefighter salary of $68,218, which is $14,471 above the Virginia state average of $53,747. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $68,218 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,680. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for firefighters in Arlington spans from $39,072 at the 10th percentile to $122,496 at the 90th percentile — a $83,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,240. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level firefighter earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
+$10,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
+$16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,240
+$26,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $39,072
25th Percentile $50,952
Median (50th) $68,218
75th Percentile $93,984
90th Percentile $122,496

Firefighter Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$52,714
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$51,680
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$50,646
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$49,613
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Firefighter in Arlington

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Arlington

Browse open firefighter positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Arlington

How much does a Firefighter make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Arlington, Virginia is $68,218 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $39,072 (10th percentile) to $122,496 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,218, a firefighter in Arlington earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Arlington's median firefighter salary of $68,218 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $53,747. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $68,218 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Arlington? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Arlington require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.