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Firefighter Salary in Chesapeake, VA

How much does a firefighter make in Chesapeake? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chesapeake's cost of living.

Median Salary
$66,493
per year in Chesapeake
Entry Level
$40,125
Starting salary
Senior Level
$94,007
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how firefighter salaries break down across different pay periods in Chesapeake.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$40,125$66,493$94,007
Monthly$3,344$5,541$7,834
Biweekly$1,543$2,557$3,616
Weekly$772$1,279$1,808
Hourly$19$32$45

Chesapeake vs National Average

How Chesapeake's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Chesapeake Salary
$66,493
COL Index: 102
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$6,133
Higher in Chesapeake

Cost of Living in Chesapeake

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$72,840
per year
Population
249,422
residents
Rent % of Income
21.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chesapeake have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+58%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+49%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+33%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
-7%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a firefighter salary in Chesapeake.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Chesapeake, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Chesapeake, VA is $66,493 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chesapeake's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Chesapeake can expect to earn around $40,125 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $94,007 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chesapeake's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chesapeake are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Chesapeake typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 23.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Chesapeake, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.