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Firefighter Salary in Richmond, VA

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

Median Salary
$61,510
per year in Richmond
Entry Level
$37,118
Starting salary
Senior Level
$86,963
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,118$61,510$86,963
Monthly$3,093$5,126$7,247
Biweekly$1,428$2,366$3,345
Weekly$714$1,183$1,672
Hourly$18$30$42

Richmond vs National Average

How Richmond's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Richmond Salary
$61,510
COL Index: 109
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$1,150
Higher in Richmond

Cost of Living in Richmond

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
226,610
residents
Rent % of Income
32.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Richmond 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
+71%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+61%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+44%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
+0%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Richmond, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Richmond, VA is $61,510 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Richmond's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level firefighter professionals in Richmond can expect to earn around $37,118 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $86,963 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Richmond's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Richmond 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 Richmond typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 30.2% 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 Richmond, 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.