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Firefighter Salary in Norfolk, VA

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

Median Salary
$57,620
per year in Norfolk
Entry Level
$34,771
Starting salary
Senior Level
$81,463
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,771$57,620$81,463
Monthly$2,898$4,802$6,789
Biweekly$1,337$2,216$3,133
Weekly$669$1,108$1,567
Hourly$17$28$39

Norfolk vs National Average

How Norfolk's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Norfolk Salary
$57,620
COL Index: 98
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,740
Lower in Norfolk

Cost of Living in Norfolk

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$46,580
per year
Population
238,005
residents
Rent % of Income
30.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Norfolk 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
+83%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+72%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+53%
Houston, TX
$59,820
+4%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Norfolk.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Norfolk, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Norfolk, VA is $57,620 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Norfolk's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Norfolk can expect to earn around $34,771 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $81,463 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Norfolk's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Norfolk 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 Norfolk typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 25.0% 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 Norfolk, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.