Virginia ranks 23rd of 50 states and D.C. for firefighters pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($93,490) by $35,190 — a 60% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,280 to $78,220 — a $39,940 spread, 40% tighter than the national $66,840 range.
Firefighters are more concentrated in Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.24 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.24× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,280 | $18.41 |
| 25th percentile | $46,270 | $22.25 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,300 | $28.03 |
| 75th percentile | $69,650 | $33.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,220 | $37.61 |
| Mean (average) | $58,510 | $28.13 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $58,300 | n/a |
| Washington | $93,490 | +60% |
| New York | $88,380 | +52% |
| New Jersey | $87,660 | +50% |
| California | $83,400 | +43% |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 | +36% |
| Illinois | $79,080 | +36% |
| Connecticut | $77,660 | +33% |
| Colorado | $76,560 | +31% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Glaziers | $58,240 | 630 |
| Postal Service Mail Carriers | $58,390 | 8,110 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $58,410 | 16,860 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $58,170 | 1,190 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $58,490 | 3,870 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $58,530 | 7,870 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighters salary in Virginia?
The mean firefighters salary in Virginia is $58,510 per year. The median (middle) salary is $58,300 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in Virginia?
Entry-level firefighterss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $38,280 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,270 per year.
What is the highest Firefighters salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $78,220 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $69,650 per year.
How does the Virginia Firefighters salary compare to the national average?
The median firefighters salary in Virginia is $58,300, which is -2% below national average of $59,530.