Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- centers
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of the Interior • Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,300 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#23 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of the Interior~Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $58,300, Firefighters in Virginia earn 2% below the national median of $59,530. Virginia ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$58,300Hourly estimate
$28.032% below national median
Difference: -$1,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#23 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $58,300 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $70,580 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $41,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $37,140 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,300 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $37,250 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of the Interior • Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
1027 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, 25301-2816
Phone: 4129372827
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $49,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $65,110 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $43,440 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Firefighter licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Virginia is $58,300. Salaries range from $38,280 (10th percentile) to $78,220 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Virginia earn 2% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $58,300.
How many Firefighters work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 10,820 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of the Interior / Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Review agency details at https://www.osmre.gov/.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.