salary$56,940 a year$27 an hour · median pay in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$38,840per year
Top pay (top 10%)$76,460per year
Jobs in the area2,880people work this job
Can a firefighter afford Chesapeake?
Expensive. Rent of $1,849 a month takes 39.0% of the median firefighter salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Firefighter pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Chesapeake
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a firefighter make in Chesapeake, VA?
The median pay for a firefighter in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area is $56,940 a year ($27 an hour). Most earn between $38,840 and $76,460.
Can a firefighter afford to live in Chesapeake?
Typical rent of $1,849 a month takes 39.0% of the median firefighter salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area.