How to Become a Firefighters in Virginia
Firefighters in Virginia earn a median salary of $58,300/year, which is 2% below the national average. Virginia has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a firefighters takes home approximately $2,425/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.
What a firefighters can afford in Virginia
Becoming a firefighters in Virginia
Meet education requirements
Firefighters positions in Virginia typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Virginia. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves long-term on-the-job training in Virginia. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Virginia licensure or certification
Virginia may require specific licensing or professional certification for firefighterss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Virginia Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Virginia
Virginia employs 10,820 firefighters. The highest concentrations are in Richmond and Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk.
Firefighters salary by metro area in Virginia
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $62K | $29.57/hr | 1,960 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $58K | $27.7/hr | 2,790 |
| Charlottesville | $50K | $24.09/hr | 250 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | $49K | $23.5/hr | 70 |
| Winchester | $47K | $22.73/hr | 70 |
| Lynchburg | $46K | $22.11/hr | 270 |
| Harrisonburg | $44K | $21.35/hr | 170 |
| Roanoke | $39K | $18.69/hr | 480 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $38K | $18.25/hr | 70 |
Firefighters salary range in Virginia
Firefighters careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighters make in Virginia?▼
The median firefighters salary in Virginia is $58,300 per year ($28.03/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $59,530. Salaries range from $38,280 to $78,220.
What are the requirements to become a firefighters in Virginia?▼
Firefighters positions in Virginia typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Virginia may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Virginia licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a firefighters afford to live in Virginia?▼
At the median salary of $58,300, a firefighters in Virginia would take home approximately $3,837/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 36.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for firefighters in Virginia?▼
The highest paying metro areas for firefighters in Virginia are Richmond ($61,510), Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk ($57,620), Charlottesville ($50,100). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Virginia have state income tax for firefighters?▼
Yes, Virginia has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.9%. On a $58,300 salary, this means roughly $2,836/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.