Public Service Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Firefighter Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median firefighter salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $52,714 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$52,714
vs State Avg
$-1,033
vs National
+$1,034
Cost of Living
102%

Firefighter Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median firefighter salary of $52,714, which is $1,033 below the Virginia state average of $53,747. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for firefighters in Virginia Beach spans from $30,192 at the 10th percentile to $94,656 at the 90th percentile — a $64,464 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,640, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,640. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level firefighter earns around $32,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,640
+$640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,040
+$1,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,640
+$1,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $30,192
25th Percentile $39,372
Median (50th) $52,714
75th Percentile $72,624
90th Percentile $94,656

Firefighter Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$68,218
Pop. 238,643
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 Virginia Beach

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open firefighter positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Firefighter make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $52,714 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $30,192 (10th percentile) to $94,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,714, a firefighter in Virginia Beach earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median firefighter salary of $52,714 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $53,747. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $52,714 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Virginia Beach 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.